IL-38 Exerts Anti-Inflammatory and Antifibrotic Effects in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease closely associated with Graves' disease. IL-38, a novel cytokine in the IL-1 superfamily, has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases.

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between IL-38 and TAO disease activity and its role in inflammation and fibrosis in TAO.

Blood samples and orbital connective tissues were collected from TAO patients and controls. Orbital fibroblasts were isolated from patients with TAO. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed.

Here, we demonstrated that IL-38 levels decreased in the circulation and orbital connective tissues of patients with TAO compared with the controls, and levels were negatively correlated with the clinical activity score. In vitro, potent anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of IL-38 were observed. Furthermore, we revealed that IL-38 can counteract the phosphorylation of star molecules in multiple classical pathways.

IL-38 plays a protective role in TAO and is associated with its pathogenesis. Our data suggest that IL-38 may be a promising marker of TAO disease activity and a potential target for TAO therapy.