Mesangial cell-derived interleukin-10 modulates mesangial cell response to lipopolysaccharide

B Fouqueray1, V Boutard, C Philippe

  • 1INSERM,* Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.

Insights

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is produced by mesangial cells when exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This cytokine helps regulate the inflammatory response to LPS by reducing tumor necrosis factor-alpha generation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Renal Physiology

Background:

  • Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine with known immunomodulatory functions.
  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent activator of inflammatory responses in various cell types, including mesangial cells.
  • The role of IL-10 in mesangial cell response to LPS was not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the synthesis and function of IL-10 in cultured mouse mesangial cells.
  • To determine if IL-10 regulates the production of inflammatory mediators by LPS-stimulated mesangial cells.
  • To explore factors influencing IL-10 production in these cells.

Main Methods:

  • Cultured mouse mesangial cells were treated with LPS.
  • IL-10 mRNA expression was analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
  • IL-10 protein secretion was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • The effects of recombinant IL-10 and anti-IL-10 antibodies on inflammatory mediator production (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, nitrite/nitrate) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • LPS induced dose- and time-dependent expression and secretion of IL-10 by mesangial cells.
  • Recombinant IL-10 significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta production.
  • Endogenous IL-10, modulated by anti-IL-10 antibodies, primarily affected TNF-alpha generation.
  • Desferrioxamine and transforming growth factor-beta increased IL-10 release from mesangial cells.

Conclusions:

  • Mesangial cells synthesize and release IL-10 in response to LPS.
  • Mesangial cell-derived IL-10 plays a crucial role in modulating the inflammatory response to LPS, specifically by suppressing TNF-alpha.
  • IL-10 represents an important autocrine/paracrine regulator of inflammation in mesangial cells.