Interferons and systemic sclerosis: correlation between interferon gamma and interferon-lambda 1 (IL-29)

AT Dantas, SMC Gonçalves, MC Pereira… - …, 2015 - Taylor & Francis
AT Dantas, SMC Gonçalves, MC Pereira, AR Almeida, CDL Marques, MJBM Rego, IR Pitta
Autoimmunity, 2015Taylor & Francis
Abstract Background: Interferon (IFN)-λ1 is a newly described cytokine, member of type III
interferons family, which is known for its antiviral, anti-proliferative and antitumor activity.
Recent studies indicated that this cytokine has also immune-regulatory function, but its role
in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is not established yet. We evaluated serum
levels of IFN-λ1 in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and healthy controls and its association
with IFN-γ and clinical manifestations. Methods: IFN-λ1 and IFN-γ serum levels were …
Abstract
Background: Interferon (IFN)-λ1 is a newly described cytokine, member of type III interferons family, which is known for its antiviral, anti-proliferative and antitumor activity. Recent studies indicated that this cytokine has also immune-regulatory function, but its role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is not established yet. We evaluated serum levels of IFN-λ1 in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and healthy controls and its association with IFN-γ and clinical manifestations. Methods: IFN-λ1 and IFN-γ serum levels were measured by ELISA from 52 patients with SSc and 53 healthy controls. Association of cytokines serum levels was sought with clinical parameters. Results: IFN-λ1 and IFN-γ levels in SSc patients were significantly higher than those in healthy individuals (24.82 ± 8.78 and 11.04 ± 3.04 pg/ml, p < 0.0001; 34.11 ± 8.11 and 10.73 ± 2.77 pg/ml, p < 0.0001, respectively). We found a positive correlation between IFN-λ1 and IFN-γ levels in SSc patients (p = 0.0103, r = 0.3526). IFN-γ levels were associated with muscle involvement (p = 0.0483). Conclusion: We first showed raised IFN-λ1 levels in SSc patients. Furthermore, we found a correlation between IFN-λ1 and IFN-γ levels and an association between IFN-γ and myositis. Additional in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to understand IFN-λ1 role in SSc.
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