IL-33 induces IL-13-dependent cutaneous fibrosis

J Immunol. 2010 Feb 1;184(3):1526-35. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.0903306. Epub 2009 Dec 30.

Abstract

IL-33 is constitutively expressed in epithelial barrier tissues, such as skin. Although increased expression of IL-33/IL-33R has been correlated with fibrotic disorders, such as scleroderma and progressive systemic sclerosis, the direct consequences of IL-33 release in skin has not been reported. To determine the effects of dysregulated IL-33 signaling in skin, we administered IL-33 s.c. and monitored its effects at the injection site. Administration of IL-33 resulted in IL-33R-dependent accumulation of eosinophils, CD3(+) lymphocytes, F4/80(+) mononuclear cells, increased expression of IL-13 mRNA, and the development of cutaneous fibrosis. Consistent with extensive cutaneous tissue remodeling, IL-33 resulted in significant modulation of a number of extracellular matrix-associated genes, including collagen VI, collagen III, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-1. We establish that IL-33-induced fibrosis requires IL-13 using IL-13 knockout mice and eosinophils using Delta dblGATA mice. We show that bone marrow-derived eosinophils secrete IL-13 in response to IL-33 stimulation, suggesting that eosinophil-derived IL-13 may promote IL-33-induced cutaneous fibrosis. Collectively, our results identify IL-33 as a previously unrecognized profibrotic mediator in skin and highlight the cellular and molecular pathways by which this pathology develops.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Eosinophils / immunology
  • Eosinophils / metabolism
  • Eosinophils / pathology
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / genetics
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / physiology
  • Fibrosis
  • Inflammation Mediators / administration & dosage
  • Inflammation Mediators / physiology
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinases / deficiency
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinases / physiology
  • Interleukin-13 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-13 / deficiency
  • Interleukin-13 / physiology*
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins / administration & dosage
  • Interleukins / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Skin / immunology*
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin / pathology*

Substances

  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • Il33 protein, mouse
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Interleukin-13
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinases
  • Irak4 protein, mouse