The role of IL-5 in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

J Leukoc Biol. 1998 Nov;64(5):657-66. doi: 10.1002/jlb.64.5.657.

Abstract

Eosinophils are known to express cytokines capable of promoting fibrosis. Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is important in regulating eosinophilopoiesis, eosinophil recruitment and activation. Lung IL-5 expression is elevated in pulmonary fibrosis, wherein the eosinophil is a primary source of fibrogenic cytokines. To determine the role of IL-5 in pulmonary fibrosis, the effects of anti-IL-5 antibody were investigated in a model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Fibrosis was induced in mice by endotracheal bleomycin treatment. Animals were also treated with either anti-IL-5 antibody or control IgG. Lungs were then analyzed for fibrosis, eosinophil influx, chemotactic activity, and cytokine expression. The results show that a primary chemotactic activity at the height of eosinophil recruitment is IL-5. Furthermore, anti-IL-5 antibody caused significant reduction in lung eosinophilia, cytokine expression, and fibrosis. These findings taken together suggest an important role for IL-5 in pulmonary fibrosis via its ability to regulate eosinophilic inflammation, and thus eosinophil-dependent fibrogenic cytokine production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Bleomycin / adverse effects*
  • Eosinophils / metabolism
  • Eosinophils / physiology*
  • Female
  • Interleukin-5 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Interleukin-5 / immunology
  • Interleukin-5 / physiology*
  • Lung / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / chemically induced*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / physiopathology
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / prevention & control
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Interleukin-5
  • Bleomycin