Targeting interleukin-20 alleviates paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy

Pain. 2020 Jun;161(6):1237-1254. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001831.

Abstract

The role of immune mediators, including proinflammatory cytokines in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), remains unclear. Here, we studied the contribution of interleukin-20 (IL-20) to the development of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. Increased serum levels of IL-20 in cancer patients with chemotherapy were accompanied by increased CIPN risk. In mouse models, proinflammatory IL-20 levels in serum and dorsal root ganglia fluctuated with paclitaxel treatment. Blocking IL-20 with the neutralizing antibody or genetic deletion of its receptors prevented CIPN, alleviated peripheral nerve damage, and dampened inflammatory responses, including macrophage infiltration and cytokine release. Mechanistically, paclitaxel upregulated IL-20 through dysregulated Ca homeostasis, which augmented chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. Importantly, IL-20 suppression did not alter paclitaxel efficacy on cancer treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Together, targeting IL-20 ameliorates paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy by suppressing neuroinflammation and restoring Ca homeostasis. Therefore, the anti-IL-20 monoclonal antibody is a promising therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ganglia, Spinal
  • Humans
  • Hyperalgesia
  • Interleukins
  • Mice
  • Paclitaxel* / toxicity
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / chemically induced
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Interleukins
  • Paclitaxel
  • interleukin 20