Progranulin mediates the onset of pristane induced systemic lupus erythematosus

Progranulin (PGRN) is a growth factor-like molecule with diverse roles in homeostatic and pathogenic processes including the control of immune and inflammatory responses. Pathogenic inflammation is a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and elevated serum levels of PGRN has been evaluated as a biomarker of disease activity in SLE. However, the role of PGRN in SLE has not been fully investigated. This study is aimed to determine the potential involvements of PGRN in SLE.

Wild type (WT) and PGRN knockout (PGRN^-/-) C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal injection of pristane for induction of a murine model of SLE. Sera were collected every biweekly and levels of anti-dsDNA antibody, IgG, and inflammatory factors were measured. Mice were sacrificed 5 months later and the renal lesions, as well as the proportions of T cell subtypes in the spleen were analyzed.

Following exposure to pristane, PGRN^-/- mice generated significantly lower levels of anti-dsDNA antibody and IgG relative to WT mice. PGRN^-/- mouse kidneys had less IgG and collagen deposition compared with WT mice after pristane injection.

The results indicate that PGRN participates in inflammatory response and renal damage in pristane induced SLE models, suggesting that PGRN mediates the onset of SLE.