Elevated interleukin-11 in systemic sclerosis and role in disease pathogenesis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Fibrosis Research

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, abnormal cytokine expression, and fibrosis.
• Interleukin-11 (IL-11), a profibrotic cytokine upregulated by TGF-β1, contributes to fibrosis in multiple organs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify serum IL-11 levels in early diffuse SSc patients.
• To investigate whether IL-11 regulates the alarmin IL-33 in dermal fibroblasts.

Main Methods:

• Serum IL-11 levels were measured using ELISA in early diffuse SSc patients and healthy controls.
• Dermal fibroblasts were cultured and treated with IL-11; IL-33 release was quantified by ELISA at different time points.

Main Results:

• Elevated serum IL-11 was observed in early diffuse SSc patients, with higher levels in those with interstitial lung disease (ILD).
• In vitro, IL-11 significantly induced IL-33 release from dermal fibroblasts at early time points, but not late ones.

Conclusions:

• Elevated IL-11 in early diffuse SSc, particularly with ILD, suggests it may be a potential biomarker for ILD in SSc.
• IL-11's induction of IL-33 indicates an early inflammatory response, while prolonged exposure may promote fibrosis in SSc.