IL-38 exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Abstract Context Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease closely associated with Graves’ disease (GD). IL-38, a novel cytokine in the IL-1 superfamily, has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. Objectives To evaluate the relationship between IL-38 and TAO disease activity and its role in inflammation and fibrosis in TAO. Design/Setting/Participants Blood samples and orbital connective tissues were collected from TAO patients and controls. Orbital fibroblasts (OFs) were isolated from patients with TAO. Main Outcome Measures Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis were performed. Results Here, we demonstrated that IL-38 levels decreased in the circulation and orbital connective tissues of patients with TAO compared to the controls, and were negatively correlated with the clinical activity score (CAS). In vitro, potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of IL-38 were observed. Furthermore, we revealed that IL-38 can counteract the phosphorylation of star molecules in multiple classical pathways. Conclusions IL-38 plays a protective role in TAO and is associated with its pathogenesis. Our data suggest that IL-38 may be a promising marker of TAO disease activity and a potential target for TAO therapy.