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Meteorin-like protein/METRNL/Interleukin-41 ameliorates atopic dermatitis-like inflammation
Danqi Huang1, Xiuting Liu2, Xun Gao1,3
1Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Allergy
|May 10, 2024
Summary
Meteorin-like protein (METRNL) alleviates atopic dermatitis (AD) by inhibiting immune cell expansion and inflammation. This novel cytokine targets the KIT receptor, enhancing the WNT pathway for therapeutic potential in skin diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Meteorin-like protein (METRNL), also known as Interleukin-41 (IL-41), is an emerging cytokine implicated in inflammatory conditions.
- The precise role of METRNL in regulating skin inflammation, particularly in atopic dermatitis (AD), is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional role and underlying regulatory mechanisms of METRNL in the context of atopic dermatitis.
- To determine if METRNL can be a therapeutic target for AD.
Main Methods:
- Quantified METRNL levels in skin and serum from AD patients and an MC903-induced mouse model.
- Utilized multiplex immunostaining, single-cell RNA-seq, and RNA-seq to identify METRNL's cellular targets and pathways.
Main Results:
- METRNL levels were significantly elevated in AD patients and the mouse model.
- Recombinant METRNL (rmMETRNL) administration reduced AD-like skin inflammation in mice.
- METRNL was found to enhance β-Catenin activation and limit Th2-related molecules and immune cell accumulation.
Conclusions:
- METRNL binds to the KIT receptor to mitigate allergic skin inflammation in AD.
- METRNL inhibits immune cell expansion and downregulates inflammatory gene expression via β-Catenin regulation.
