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Hildenbrand K, Bohnacker S, Menon PR, Kerle A, Prodjinotho UF, Hartung F, Strasser PC, Catici DA, Rührnößl F, Haslbeck M, Schumann K, Müller SI, da Costa CP, Esser-von Bieren J, Feige MJ. Human interleukin-12α and EBI3 are cytokines with anti-inflammatory functions. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg6874. [PMID: 37878703 PMCID: PMC10599630 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg6874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Interleukins are secreted proteins that regulate immune responses. Among these, the interleukin 12 (IL-12) family holds a central position in inflammatory and infectious diseases. Each family member consists of an α and a β subunit that together form a composite cytokine. Within the IL-12 family, IL-35 remains particularly ill-characterized on a molecular level despite its key role in autoimmune diseases and cancer. Here we show that both IL-35 subunits, IL-12α and EBI3, mutually promote their secretion from cells but are not necessarily secreted as a heterodimer. Our data demonstrate that IL-12α and EBI3 are stable proteins in isolation that act as anti-inflammatory molecules. Both reduce secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and induce the development of regulatory T cells. Together, our study reveals IL-12α and EBI3, the subunits of IL-35, to be functionally active anti-inflammatory immune molecules on their own. This extends our understanding of the human cytokine repertoire as a basis for immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Hildenbrand
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Sina Bohnacker
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Priyanka Rajeev Menon
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Anna Kerle
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Ulrich F. Prodjinotho
- Institute for Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Center for Global Health, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Hartung
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick C. Strasser
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Dragana A. M. Catici
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Florian Rührnößl
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Martin Haslbeck
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schumann
- Institute for Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie I. Müller
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Clarissa Prazeres da Costa
- Institute for Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Center for Global Health, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection and Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Esser-von Bieren
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, 80802 Munich, Germany
- Department of Immunobiology, Université de Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Matthias J. Feige
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
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Ellergezen PH, Kizmaz MA, Simsek A, Demir N, Cagan E, Bal SH, Akalin EH, Oral HB, Budak F. Investigation of IL-35 and IL-39, New Members of the IL-12 Family, in Different Clinical Presentations of Brucellosis. Immunol Invest 2023; 52:286-297. [PMID: 36645409 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2165941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Brucellosis is significantly influenced by the interactions between the causative Brucella bacteria and host immunity. Recently identified cytokines have been described for their immunomodulatory effects in numerous inflammatory, autoimmune and infectious diseases. Some of them are new members of cytokine superfamilies, including several members of the IL-12 superfamily (IL-35, IL-39). The major purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of these new immunomodulatory cytokines in Brucella infections. The levels of IL-35 and IL-39 in the serum of 40 acute and 40 chronic brucellosis patients and 40 healthy controls were measured by ELISA. The mRNA levels of IL-35 and IL-39 in PBMCs were detected by RT-qPCR. Both IL-35 and IL-39 serum concentrations were significantly higher in healthy control subjects than in brucellosis patients, and IL-35 and IL-39 serum levels of chronic brucellosis patients were higher than those of acute cases. It was also found that the expression of Ebi3/IL-12A (IL-35 genes) and Ebi3/IL-23A (IL-39 genes) was upregulated in chronic brucellosis patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, the expression of the Ebi3/IL-12A and Ebi3/IL-23A genes was lower in patients with acute brucellosis than in patients with chronic brucellosis. Overall, this study showed that IL-35 and IL-39 are positively correlated in brucellosis and significantly decreased during the disease. Significantly lower levels of IL-35 and IL-39 in acute brucellosis than in chronic brucellosis and healthy controls suggest that these cytokines may play a key role in suppressing the immune response to brucellosis and its progression to chronicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pınar Hız Ellergezen
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey.,Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Ali Kizmaz
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey.,Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Abdurrahman Simsek
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey.,Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Nesrin Demir
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Antalya Bilim University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Eren Cagan
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - S Haldun Bal
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - E Halis Akalin
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - H Barbaros Oral
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ferah Budak
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
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Liu Y, Luo Y, Zhu T, Jiang M, Tian Z, Tang G, Liang X. Regulatory B Cells Dysregulated T Cell Function in an IL-35-Dependent Way in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B. Front Immunol 2021; 12:653198. [PMID: 33912178 PMCID: PMC8072152 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.653198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-35-secreting B (IL-35+B) cells are critical regulators in autoimmune and infectious diseases and exert suppressive functions in parallel with IL-10-producing B (B10) cells. However, the role of IL-35+B cells in persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains unclear. To elucidate the role of IL-35+B cells in the progress of chronic HBV infection, we determined the frequency of IL-35+B cells and their relationship with the classical human regulatory B cell (Breg) subsets, namely, CD19+CD24hiCD38hi and CD19+CD24hiCD27+. Then, the regulatory effect and mechanism of Bregs on effector T cells were investigated in vitro. Here, we found that compared with healthy controls, the frequency of IL-35+B cells was increased in patients with chronic HBV infection and was enriched in human classical Breg subset CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells. Moderate correlation was observed between the frequency of IL-35+B cells and alanine aminotransferase levels (Spearman r = 0.401), but only mild correlation was noted between the frequency of IL-35+B cells and HBV DNA level (Spearman r = 0.314). The frequency of IL-35+B cells was negatively correlated with interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-producing CD4+ and CD8+ cells but positively correlated with IL-4-producing T cells. Bregs dysregulated T cell function through an IL-35-dependent mechanism and depended on cell-to-cell contact. In conclusion, IL-35+ B cell was enriched in CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cell subset during persistent HBV infection and Breg cells exerted dysregulation in T cell function through IL-35 dependent mechanism and depend on cell-to-cell contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- YaYun Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Luo
- Department of Clinical Experiment Center, Changhai Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - ZhaoFeng Tian
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Changhai Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - GuSheng Tang
- Department of Hematology Laboratory Center, Changhai Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - XueSong Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Zhu JJ, Shan NN. Immunomodulatory cytokine interleukin-35 and immune thrombocytopaenia. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060520976477. [PMID: 33356722 PMCID: PMC7768574 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520976477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable attention has been paid to interleukin (IL)-35 because of its immunosuppressive effects in a variety of autoimmune diseases. IL-35, a recently identified cytokine of the IL-12 family, is a negative regulatory factor secreted by IL-35-inducible regulatory T cells (iTr35 cells) and the recently reported regulatory B cells (Breg cells). Four biological effects of IL-35 have been discovered in vitro and in vivo: (i) suppression of T cell proliferation; (ii) conversion of naive T cells into iTr35 cells; (iii) downregulation of type 17 helper T (Th17) cells; and (iv) conversion of Breg cells into a Breg subset that produces IL-35 and IL-10. IL-35 plays an important role in a variety of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, allergic asthma and systemic lupus erythematosus. Primary immune thrombocytopaenia (ITP), which is characterized by isolated thrombocytopaenia and mild mucocutaneous to life-threatening bleeding, is an autoimmune disease with complex dysregulation of the immune system. Both antibody-mediated and/or T cell-mediated platelet destruction are key processes. In addition, impairment of T cells and cytokine imbalances have now been recognized to be important. This review summarizes the immunomodulatory effects of IL-35 and its role in the pathogenesis of ITP as mediated by T and B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Zhu
- Department of Haematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ning-Ning Shan
- Department of Haematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
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Yang L, Zhang Q, Song J, Wang W, Jin Z. Interleukin-35 Suppresses CD8 + T Cell Activity in Patients with Viral Hepatitis-Induced Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure. Dig Dis Sci 2020; 65:3614-3623. [PMID: 31974915 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06077-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin (IL)-35 is a newly indentified cytokine and induces immunotolerance via suppression of CD8+ T cell activity in chronic viral hepatitis. AIMS To investigate the modulatory function of IL-35 to CD8+ T cells in viral hepatitis-induced acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). METHODS Fifty-five ACLF patients and 21 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum IL-35 concentration was measured by ELISA. Absolute accounts for T cells, immune checkpoint molecules, and cytotoxic molecules in CD8+ T cells were measured by flow cytometry and real-time PCR, respectively. Direct and indirect contact co-culture systems between CD8+ T cells and HepG2 cells were set up. The regulatory function of IL-35 to CD8+ T cells was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase expression and cytokine production. RESULTS Serum IL-35 concentration was elevated in ACLF patients and positively correlated with total bilirubin, but negatively correlated with prothrombin time activity. Peripheral CD8+ T cells showed exhausted phenotype in ACLF patients, which manifested as up-regulation of programmed death-1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4), and lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) but down-regulation of perforin, granzyme B, and FasL. Recombinant IL-35 stimulation dampened cytotoxicity and interferon-γ production in both direct and indirect contact co-culture systems. This process was accompanied by elevation of PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG3, as well as reduction of perforin, granzyme B, and FasL in CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION Elevated IL-35 suppressed both cytolytic and non-cytolytic activity of CD8+ T cells in ACLF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Yang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang St, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang St, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang St, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Wudong Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang St, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhenjing Jin
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang St, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China.
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Single nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin-35 subunit genes predict host susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B virus infection among Iraqi patients. Meta Gene 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2020.100735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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Zhang J, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Li C, Deng H, Si C, Xiong H. Interleukin-35 in immune-related diseases: protection or destruction. Immunology 2019; 157:13-20. [PMID: 30681737 PMCID: PMC6459776 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is a recently identified heterodimeric cytokine in the IL-12 family. It consists of an IL-12 subunit α chain (P35) and IL-27 subunit Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) β chain. Unlike the other IL-12 family members, it signals through four unconventional receptors: IL-12Rβ2-IL-27Rα, IL-12Rβ2-IL-12Rβ2, IL-12Rβ2-GP130, and GP130-GP130. Interleukin-35 signaling is mainly carried out through the signal transducer and activator of transcription family of proteins. It is secreted not only by regulatory T (Treg) cells, but also by CD8+ Treg cells, activated dendritic cells and regulatory B cells. It exhibits immunosuppressive functions distinct from those of other members of the IL-12 family; these are mediated primarily by the inhibition of T helper type 17 cell differentiation and promotion of Treg cell proliferation. Interleukin-35 plays a critical role in several immune-associated diseases, such as autoimmune diseases and viral and bacterial infections, as well as in tumors. In this review, we summarize the structure and function of IL-35, describe its role in immune-related disorders, and discuss the mechanisms by which it regulates the development and progression of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, collagen-induced arthritis, allergic airway disease, hepatitis, and tumors. The recent research on IL-35, combined with improved techniques of studying receptors and signal transduction pathways, allows for consideration of IL-35 as a novel immunotherapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Zhang
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular MedicineJining Medical UniversityJiningShandongChina
| | - Yunsheng Zhang
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular MedicineJining Medical UniversityJiningShandongChina
| | - Qingpeng Wang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical ResearchLiaocheng UniversityLiaochengChina
| | - Chunlei Li
- School of PharmacyLinyi UniversityLinyiShandongChina
| | - Hongxin Deng
- Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Chuanping Si
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular MedicineJining Medical UniversityJiningShandongChina
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Department of MedicineImmunology InstituteIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
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Teng DK, Liu Y, Lv YF, Wang L, Zhang W, Wang JP, Li Y. Elevated interleukin-35 suppresses liver inflammation by regulation of T helper 17 cells in acute hepatitis B virus infection. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 70:252-259. [PMID: 30851705 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-35 is a responsive anti-inflammatory cytokine implicated in different diseases processes. It has been reported that elevated IL-35 contributed to immunosuppression in chronic hepatitis by modulation of T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells. However, the role of IL-35 in acute hepatitis B (AHB) was still not completely elucidated. Thus, in the present study, we analyzed the expression and regulatory activity of IL-35 to Th17 cells and inflammatory response during acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in both peripheral blood cells isolated from AHB patients and in hydrodynamic induced HBV-infected mouse model. Plasma IL-35 level and circulating HBV peptides-induced Th17 frequency was significantly elevated in AHB patients, and IL-35 expression negatively correlated with liver inflammation. In vitro IL-35 stimulation to CD4+ T cells purified from AHB patients down-regulated HBV peptides-induced Th17-phenotype, which presented as reduced IL-17 and IL-22 production. In vivo IL-35 administration dampened liver inflammation in HBV plasmid injected mice, however, did not affect HBV antigens production. This process was accompanied by suppression of natural killer cells and down-regulation of HBV peptides-induced Th17 cells in the liver, but did not affect total intrahepatic lymphocytes and other cell subsets numbers or chemokines expression in the liver. In conclusion, the current data indicated that IL-35 might be a novel mediator associated with hepatocytes damage and liver inflammation by regulating HBV peptides-induced Th17 cells during acute HBV infection. The potential anti-inflammatory property of IL-35 might be pivotal for developing new therapeutic approaches for hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng-Ke Teng
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130033, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital and The Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710068, China
| | - Yi-Fei Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital and The Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710068, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital and The Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710068, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710032, China
| | - Jiu-Ping Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710032, China.
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital and The Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710068, China.
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Yang L, Jia S, Shao X, Liu S, Zhang Q, Song J, Wang W, Jin Z. Interleukin-35 modulates the balance between viral specific CD4 +CD25 +CD127 dim/- regulatory T cells and T helper 17 cells in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Virol J 2019; 16:48. [PMID: 30992023 PMCID: PMC6469219 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1158-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interleukin (IL)-35 regulates imbalance between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper (Th) 17 cells, leading to an important modulator in autoimmune disorder, cancer, and infectious diseases. Our previous study revealed an immunosuppressive activity of IL-35 in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the role of regulatory function of IL-35 to viral specific Tregs/Th17 cells balance in chronic HBV infection. Methods A total of 44 HLA-A2 restricted chronic HBV infected patients, including 21 of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 23 of asymptomatic HBV carriers (ASC) were enrolled. Purified CD4+ T cells or CD4+CD25+CD127dim/− Tregs were stimulated with recombinant IL-35. HBV core antigen specific Tregs and Th17 cells were determined by flow cytometry. FoxP3 and RORγt mRNA was measured by real-time PCR. Cytokines production (IL-10 and IL-17) was investigated by ELISA. Results Peripheral viral specific Tregs was comparable between CHB and ASC. However, increased percentage of viral specific Th17 cells was found in CHB, leading to the reduction of Tregs/Th17 ratio in CHB patients. IL-35 stimulation elevated viral specific Tregs, but not Th17 cells frequency, in both CHB and ASC, resulting in the elevation of Tregs/Th17 ratio in both groups. This process was accompanied by increased expression of FoxP3 mRNA and IL-10 production, and decreased IL-17 secretion and STAT3 phosphorylation in purified CD4+ T cells. Moreover, IL-35 stimulation inhibited viral specific Th17-like phenotype differentiation from Tregs in CHB patients. Effective anti-HBV therapy did not affect viral specific Tregs/Th17 cells frequency or IL-35 expression in CHB patients, however, reduced responsiveness of CD4+ T cells or Tregs to IL-35 stimulation in vitro. Conclusion Our findings indicated that IL-35 regulation to viral specific Tregs/Th17 balance may contribute to viral persistence in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Yang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Shengnan Jia
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xue Shao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Siqi Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Wudong Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhenjing Jin
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China.
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