Aberrant production of IL-13 by T cells promotes exocrinopathy in Id3 knockout mice

作者：Belle Ian; Mahlios Josh; McKenzie Andrew; Zhuang Yuan^*

来源：Cytokine, 2014, 69(2): 226-233.

DOI：10.1016/j.cyto.2014.06.009

• Sjogren's Syndrome
• Id3
• IL-13
• gamma delta T cells
• CD4 T cells

Elevated levels of the cytokine IL-13 has been found to be associated with autoimmune diseases, including Sjogren's Syndrome. However, whether IL-13 plays a causative role in disease development is not known and cannot be easily studied in humans. Our previous work has shown that levels of IL-13 are elevated in Id3 knockout mice, which has been established as a model for primary Sjogren's Syndrome. Here, we utilized an IL-13 reporter to determine the source of the elevated IL-13 levels observed in Id3 knockout mice and assess its contribution to SS pathology. Our results indicate that T cells, notably CD4 and delta gamma T cells, in Id3 knockout mice acquire IL-13 competency at an elevated rate well before disease symptoms become apparent. We also show that T cells developing early in life are more predisposed to produce IL-13. Finally, analysis of Id3 and 1L-13 double deficient mice demonstrated that IL-13 plays an essential role in the deterioration of gland function. Our study provides crucial genetic evidence that enhanced IL-13 production by T cells can play a causative role in the exocrinopathy observed in Id3 knockout mice.

• 出版日期2014-10