Expansion of regulatory T cells using low-dose interleukin-2 attenuates hypertension in an experimental model of systemic lupus erythematos.

Expansion of regulatory T cells using low-dose interleukin-2 attenuates hypertension in an experimental model of systemic lupus erythematos. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2019 Mar 20;: Authors: Taylor EB, Sasser JM, Maeda KJ, Ryan MJ Abstract Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disorder that is characterized by prevalent hypertension, renal injury, and cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies report a low prevalence and/or impaired function of regulatory T cells (TREG) in both patients with SLE and murine models of the disease. Evidence suggests that TREG dysfunction in SLE results from a deficiency in interleukin (IL)-2. Recent studies report that low dose IL-2 therapy expands TREG in mouse models of SLE, but whether expanding TREG protects against hypertension and renal injury during SLE is unclear. To examine this question, female SLE (NZBWF1) and control (NZW) mice were injected with vehicle or recombinant mouse IL-2 three times in 24 hours followed by single maintenance doses every five days for four weeks. Treatment with IL-2 effectively expanded the TREG cell populations in the peripheral blood, spleen, and kidneys. Circulating levels of anti-dsDNA IgG autoantibodies, a marker of SLE disease activity, were higher in SLE mice compared to control mice, but were unaffected by IL-2 treatment. As previously reported by our laboratory, mean arterial pressure (MAP), measured in conscious mice by carot...
Source: American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology - Category: Physiology Authors: Tags: Am J Physiol Renal Physiol Source Type: research