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Chen Y, Huang Y, Huang R, Chen Z, Wang X, Chen F, Huang Y. Interleukin-10 gene intervention ameliorates liver fibrosis by enhancing the immune function of natural killer cells in liver tissue. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111341. [PMID: 38081103 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111341] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and natural killer (NK) cells have the potential to combat liver fibrosis. However, whether NK cells play an important role in the anti-fibrotic effects of IL-10 is not sufficiently elucidated. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of IL-10 on NK cells during liver fibrosis. METHODS Fibrotic mice induced with carbon tetrachloride were treated with or without IL-10 in the presence or absence of NK cells. Liver damage and fibrosis were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red staining and serum transaminase and liver hydroxyproline assays, respectively. NK cell distribution, quantity, activation, cytotoxicity, development, and origin were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine chemokine levels. RESULTS In the presence of NK cells, IL-10 gene intervention improved liver fibrosis and enhanced NK cell accumulation and function in the liver, as evidenced by increased NKG2D, interferon-γ, and CD107a expression. Furthermore, IL-10 promoted the migration of circulating NK cells to the fibrotic liver and elevated C-C motif ligand 5 levels. However, depletion of NK cells exacerbated liver fibrosis and impaired the anti-fibrotic effect of IL-10. CONCLUSIONS The anti-fibrotic effect of IL-10 relies on the enhancement of NK cell immune function, including activation, cytotoxicity, development, and migration. These results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms through which IL-10 regulates NK cells to limit the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Yixuan Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Rongfeng Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Zhixin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Xiaozhong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Fenglin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Yuehong Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
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