IL-6, IL-17 and Stat3 are required for auto-inflammatory syndrome development in mouse

Sci Rep. 2018 Oct 25;8(1):15783. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-34173-5.

Abstract

Auto-inflammatory syndrome, a condition clinically distinct from rheumatoid arthritis, is characterized by systemic inflammation in tissues such as major joints, skin, and internal organs. Autonomous innate-immune activation is thought to promote this inflammation, but underlying pathological mechanisms have not been clarified nor are treatment strategies established. Here, we newly established a mouse model in which IL-1 signaling is conditionally activated in adult mice (hIL-1 cTg) and observed phenotypes similar to those seen in auto-inflammatory syndrome patients. In serum of hIL-1 cTg mice, IL-6 and IL-17 levels significantly increased, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) was activated in joints. When we crossed hIL-1 cTg with either IL-6- or IL-17-deficient mice or with Stat3 conditional knockout mice, phenotypes seen in hIL-1 cTg mice were significantly ameliorated. Thus, IL-6, IL-17 and Stat3 all represent potential therapeutic targets for this syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthritis, Experimental / pathology
  • Gene Deletion
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Inflammation / pathology*
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-1alpha / metabolism
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism*
  • Joints / pathology
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Phenotype
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukin-1alpha
  • Interleukin-6
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor