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Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
IL-12p35 subunit contributes to autoimmunity by limiting IL-27-driven regulatory responses
Rita Vasconcellos1, Natalie A Carter, Elizabeth C Rosser
1Centre for Rheumatology Research, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, United Kingdom.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|August 17, 2011
Summary
Mice lacking the IL-12p35 subunit showed milder Ag-induced arthritis due to increased IL-27 and IL-10, promoting regulatory T and B cells. Neutralizing IL-27 reversed this protective effect, highlighting IL-12p35 as an IL-27 response regulator.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Studies on IL-12p35 knockout mice yield conflicting results regarding autoimmune disease and infection susceptibility.
- IL-12p35 subunit deficiency has been linked to varied outcomes in autoimmune conditions, intracellular infections, and delayed-type hypersensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the IL-12p35 subunit in a mouse model of antigen-induced arthritis (Ag-induced arthritis).
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed differences in arthritis severity in IL-12p35 knockout mice.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of Ag-induced arthritis severity between wild-type (WT) and IL-12p35(-/-) mice.
- Analysis of mRNA levels for Ebi-3 and p28 subunits, and secretion of IL-27 and IL-10.
- Assessment of regulatory T and B cell differentiation and function.
- Evaluation of Th17 cell populations.
- Intervention studies involving IL-27 neutralization and IL-12 administration.
Main Results:
- IL-12p35(-/-) mice exhibited significantly milder Ag-induced arthritis compared to WT mice.
- Lack of severe inflammation correlated with increased mRNA for Ebi-3 and p28, and elevated IL-27 and IL-10 secretion.
- An anti-inflammatory environment was established, promoting regulatory T and B cell differentiation with intact suppressive function.
- IL-12p35(-/-) mice showed reduced Th17 cell numbers.
- Neutralization of IL-27, but not systemic IL-12, restored inflammation and Th17 levels to WT levels.
Conclusions:
- The IL-12p35 subunit acts as a negative regulator of the IL-27 response in this arthritis model.
- IL-12p35 deficiency confers protection against Ag-induced arthritis by modulating the IL-27/IL-10 axis and enhancing regulatory cell populations.
- Targeting the IL-27 pathway may offer therapeutic potential for autoimmune arthritis.
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