IL-17 and IL-23 in lupus nephritis - association to histopathology and response to treatment

• Published in: BMC immunology 2015-02, Vol.16 (1), p.7-7, Article 7
• Main Authors: Zickert, Agneta, Amoudruz, Petra, Sundström, Yvonne, Rönnelid, Johan, Malmström, Vivianne, Gunnarsson, Iva
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biomarkers, Pharmacological - blood; Bone morphogenetic proteins; Disease Progression; Female; Genetic aspects; Health aspects; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Immunosuppressive Agents - therapeutic use; Interleukin-17 - blood; Interleukin-23 - blood; Kidney - drug effects; Kidney - immunology; Lupus Nephritis - diagnosis; Lupus Nephritis - drug therapy; Lupus Nephritis - pathology; Male; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Th17 Cells - drug effects; Th17 Cells - immunology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1471-2172; 1471-2172
• DOI: 10.1186/s12865-015-0070-7

Recent studies indicate a central role for the IL-23/IL-17 axis in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN) but the importance in the context of treatment outcome is unknown. We studied various cytokines, including the IL-23/IL-17 axis, in association to histopathology and response to therapy. Fifty-two patients with active LN were included. Renal biopsies were performed at baseline and after immunosuppressive treatment. Serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-23 and TGF-β were analysed at both biopsy occasions and in 13 healthy controls. IL-17 expression in renal tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Biopsies were evaluated regarding WHO-classification and renal disease activity was estimated using the BILAG-index. Improvement of 2 grades in renal BILAG was regarded complete response, and 1 grade partial response. At baseline, all patients had high disease activity (BILAG A/B). Baseline levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-23 (p