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Gilliet M, Modlin RL. Immunobiology of IL-26. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1217-1222. [PMID: 38206272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
T helper 17 (Th17) cells produce a set of cytokines that include IL-17 family members, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-26. These cytokines all contribute to the classic function of Th17 cells in combatting extracellular infection and promoting inflammation in autoimmune diseases. However, of the Th17 cytokines, only IL-26 has direct antimicrobial activity against microbes and can activate a broad range of immune cells through its ability to bind DNA and trigger pattern recognition receptors. It is noteworthy that IL-26 is produced by mammalian cells, including human Th17 cells, but is absent in rodents. As such, IL-26 is a potential therapeutic target to augment host immune responses against microbial pathogens but also to prevent inflammation and tissue damage in a variety of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Gilliet
- Department of Dermatology, CHUV University Hospital and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Robert L Modlin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Kovach MA, Käck U, Che KF, Brundin B, Konradsen JR, Lindén A. Systemic IL-26 correlates with improved asthma control in children sensitized to dog allergen. Respir Res 2024; 25:163. [PMID: 38622712 PMCID: PMC11020994 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02773-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin (IL)-26 is produced by T helper type 17 (Type 17) cells and exerts immunomodulatory plus antimicrobial effects. Previous studies show that local IL-26 concentrations in the airways are higher in patients with uncontrolled than in those with controlled asthma, and that this intriguing cytokine bears biomarker potential. Here, we determined how systemic IL-26 relates to allergen sensitization, asthma severity, and to IL-17 A in children. METHODS Serum samples were obtained from children with (n = 60) and without (n = 17) sensitization to dog allergen, and IL-26 and IL-17 A protein concentrations were measured using ELISA. Self-reported history, including medication use and validated symptom-based questionnaire scores, was recorded. RESULTS The serum concentrations of IL-26 were enhanced in allergen-sensitized subjects and correlated with those of IL-17 A in a positive manner. However, the IL-26 concentrations did not markedly differ between allergen-sensitized subjects with and without asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, or a history of food allergy. Notably, IL-26 concentrations correlated with increasing Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores in a positive manner and with inhaled corticosteroid in a negative manner, amongst sensitized subjects with asthma. Moreover, subjects with asthma requiring ≥ 1 course of oral corticosteroids in the preceding 12 months had decreased IL-26 concentrations. CONCLUSION This study forwards evidence that systemic IL-26, just like IL-17 A, is involved in allergen sensitization among children. The association of systemic IL-26 with improved asthma control is compatible with the cellular sources being recruited into the airways in severe asthma, which supports that this kinocidin bears potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Kovach
- Unit for Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden.
| | - Ulrika Käck
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sachs´ Children and Youth Hospital, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karlhans F Che
- Unit for Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Bettina Brundin
- Unit for Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - Jon R Konradsen
- Department of Medicine Solna Immunology and Allergy Unit, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Lindén
- Unit for Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
- Karolinska Severe COPD Center, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Paulsson M, Cardenas EI, Che KF, Brundin B, Smith M, Qvarfordt I, Lindén A. TLR4-mediated release of heparin-binding protein in human airways: a co-stimulatory role for IL-26. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1178135. [PMID: 37234157 PMCID: PMC10206387 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1178135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial infection causes accumulation of neutrophils that release antimicrobial proteins including heparin-binding protein (HBP). In human airways, this neutrophil accumulation can be re-capitulated via intrabronchial exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist, that also causes a local increase in the neutrophil-mobilizing cytokine IL-26. Although LPS is considered a weak stimulus for HBP release ex vivo, its effect on HBP release in human airways in vivo has not been characterized. Methods We determined whether intrabronchial exposure to LPS causes concomitant release of HBP and IL-26 in human airways, and whether IL-26 can enhance LPS-induced release of HBP in isolated human neutrophils. Results We found that the concentration of HBP was markedly increased in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid 12, 24, and 48 hours after LPS exposure, and that it displayed a strong and positive correlation with that of IL-26. Moreover, the concentration of HBP in conditioned media from isolated neutrophils was enhanced only after co-stimulation with LPS and IL-26. Conclusions Taken together, our findings indicate that TLR4 stimulation causes concomitant release of HBP and IL-26 in human airways, and that IL-26 may constitute a required co-stimulant for HBP release in neutrophils, thus enabling the concerted action of HBP and IL-26 in local host defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Paulsson
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Eduardo I. Cardenas
- Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karlhans F. Che
- Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bettina Brundin
- Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margaretha Smith
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingemar Qvarfordt
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Lindén
- Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Karolinska Severe COPD Center, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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Cardenas EI, Ekstedt S, Piersiala K, Petro M, Karlsson A, Kågedal Å, Kumlien Georén S, Cardell LO, Lindén A. Increased IL-26 associates with markers of hyperinflammation and tissue damage in patients with acute COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1016991. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1016991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-26 (IL-26) is released by several immune and structural cells following stimulation of toll-like receptors (TLRs), whereupon it can directly inhibit viral replication and enhance neutrophil chemotaxis. Given these unique properties, IL-26 has emerged as an intriguing mediator of host defense in the lungs. However, the role of IL-26 in COVID-19 has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we characterized the involvement of IL-26 in the hyperinflammation and tissue damage that occurs in patients with acute COVID-19. We found that IL-26 is markedly increased in blood samples from these patients, and that the concentration of IL-26 correlates with those of the neutrophil-mobilizing cytokines IL-8 and TNFα, respectively. Moreover, the increase in blood IL-26 correlates with enhanced surface expression of the “don’t eat me” signal CD47 on blood neutrophils isolated from patients with acute COVID-19. Finally, we found that the blood concentration of IL-26 correlates with that of increased lactate dehydrogenase, an established marker of tissue damage, and decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), a previously verified hematological aberration in COVID-19, both of which are associated with severe disease. Thus, our findings indicate that increased systemic IL-26 associates with markers of hyperinflammation and tissue damage in patients with acute COVID-19, thereby forwarding the kinocidin IL-26 as a potential target for diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy in this deadly disease.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION New targets are needed to enable more accurate diagnosis, monitoring and effective therapy in uncontrolled asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), two disorders characterized by pathogenic alterations in the innate immune response. Interestingly, the IL-10-related cytokine IL-26 has been found to be abundantly expressed in human airways and alterations in its expression have been linked to reduced lung function and markers of neutrophilic inflammation in patients with uncontrolled asthma or COPD. AREAS COVERED Literature search was conducted on PubMed to identify articles in the field of IL-26 immunology, as well as clinical studies on IL-26 in asthma and COPD, published between 2000 and 2021. We outline the main sources of IL-26 in human airways, as well as the effect of this cytokine on relevant immune and structural cells. Finally, we discuss the potential involvement of IL-26 in the pathophysiology of uncontrolled asthma and COPD. EXPERT OPINION IL-26 constitutes a potential target for diagnostic purposes and therapeutic modulation of the innate immune response in the airways of patients with asthma and COPD. It seems reasonable to expect more conclusive evidence of its clinical utility for personalized medicine within the coming 5-year period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo I Cardenas
- Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karlhans Fru Che
- Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jon R Konradsen
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aihua Bao
- Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Anders Lindén
- Division of Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Karolinska Severe COPD Center, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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