IL-33 neutralization suppresses lupus disease in lupus-prone mice

Inflammation. 2014 Jun;37(3):824-32. doi: 10.1007/s10753-013-9802-0.

Abstract

IL-33 is a new member of the IL-1 family that plays a role in inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the potential of IL-33 inhibition as a treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using the lupus-prone model MRL/lpr mice and the underlying mechanisms of action. We treated mice with anti-mouse IL-33 antibody (anti-IL-33Ab) via intraperitoneal injection every other day from week 14 until week 20 for 6 weeks. A control group received the same amount of IgG control. Renal damage and mouse survival were compared. Cytokines, antibodies, immune complex, Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and Th17 cells were also analyzed. Correlations between serum IL-33 and SLE disease activity index in human SLE were also investigated. MRL/lpr mice treated with anti-IL-33Ab showed reduced proteinuria and reduced serum anti-dsDNA levels. Nephritis, immune complex deposits, and the circulating antibodies and immune complex besides the mortality were significantly reduced by anti-IL-33Ab. Anti-IL-33Ab remarkably increased Tregs and MDSCs and reduced the Th17 cells and IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 levels in MRL/lpr mice. These results suggest that IL-33 inhibition may inhibit SLE via expansion of Tregs and MDSCs and inhibition of Th17 cells and proinflammatory responses, indicating that blockade of IL-33 has a protective effect on SLE.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Antibodies / pharmacology*
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / blood
  • Antigen-Antibody Complex / blood
  • Complement C3 / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune Complex Diseases / drug therapy
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Interleukin-17 / blood
  • Interleukin-1beta / blood
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukin-6 / blood
  • Interleukins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Interleukins / blood
  • Interleukins / immunology
  • Kidney / injuries
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / mortality
  • Lupus Nephritis / drug therapy
  • Mice
  • Myeloid Cells / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • Th17 Cells / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Antigen-Antibody Complex
  • Complement C3
  • IL1B protein, mouse
  • Il33 protein, mouse
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukin-6
  • Interleukins