Mannan induces ROS-regulated, IL-17A-dependent psoriasis arthritis-like disease in mice

Ia Khmaladze1, Tiina Kelkka2, Simon Guerard1

  • 1Medical Inflammation Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;

Insights

Mannan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae triggers psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis-like disease in mice. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and IL-17A are key factors, with macrophages and γδ T cells playing crucial roles.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Dermatology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Psoriasis (Ps) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are common, poorly understood diseases potentially triggered by environmental factors.
  • The specific mechanisms underlying Ps and PsA pathogenesis remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan in inducing Ps and PsA-like disease in mice.
  • To elucidate the immune pathways involved in mannan-induced skin and joint inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Induction of Ps and PsA-like disease in mice via intraperitoneal mannan exposure.
  • Assessment of disease severity in mice with altered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, granulocyte depletion, or targeted neutralization of IL-17A.

Main Results:

  • Single mannan exposure induced acute, while multiple exposures induced relapsing, Ps and PsA-like disease.
  • Deficiency in ROS generation exacerbated disease; ROS restoration in macrophages ameliorated symptoms.
  • IL-17A neutralization completely blocked disease, and granulocyte depletion conferred resistance.
  • Certain inflammatory mediators and adaptive immune cells were found to be non-essential for disease induction.

Conclusions:

  • Mannan exposure activates macrophages, leading to TNF-α secretion and subsequent stimulation of γδ T cells to produce IL-17A.
  • The interplay between macrophages and IL-17A drives neutrophil infiltration, causing skin and joint manifestations.
  • This study reveals a novel mechanism where microbial components like mannan can initiate and worsen Ps and PsA.