The contribution from interleukin-27 towards rheumatoid inflammation: insights from gene expression

Genes Immun. 2020 Aug;21(4):249-259. doi: 10.1038/s41435-020-0102-z. Epub 2020 Jun 9.

Abstract

We aimed to assess expression of genes encoding the heterodimeric IL-27 cytokine and constituent subunits of the Il-27 receptor in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including in extra-articular, subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules. Comparing between nodules and joint synovia, significantly elevated expression of IL27A within nodules, and comparable IL27B expression, identified nodules as a significant source of IL-27 in RA. T-lymphocytes were the main source of IL27RA transcript, and IL27RA expression correlated with a number of plasma cytokines, as well as tissue TNF expression in both nodules and RA synovia. In synovia, correlations between IL27A, IL27RA IL17A and CD21L expression, and significantly elevated expression of the genes encoding IL-27, associated the presence of IL-27 with B cell-dominated synovial inflammation. Impact from nodule derived IL-27 on systemic or synovial inflammation in RA remains unknown and further study of these implications is required. Our study raises questions regarding the appropriate circumstances for the blockade or administration of IL-27 as a potential therapeutic adjunct in RA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / genetics*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / genetics*
  • Interleukin-17 / genetics
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism*
  • Interleukins / genetics*
  • Interleukins / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptors, Complement 3d / genetics
  • Receptors, Complement 3d / metabolism*
  • Rheumatoid Nodule / immunology
  • Rheumatoid Nodule / pathology
  • Synovial Membrane / immunology
  • Synovial Membrane / pathology

Substances

  • IL17A protein, human
  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukins
  • MYDGF protein, human
  • Receptors, Complement 3d