Antiinflammatory properties of a peptide derived from interleukin-4
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Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a potent antiinflammatory cytokine. However its use in the clinic is hampered by side effects. We here describe the identification of a novel synthetic peptide, termed Ph8, derived from α-helix C of IL-4, which interacts with IL-4 receptor α (IL-4Rα). Employing various cultured genetically engineered cell lines and primary lymphocytes, surface plasmon resonance, qPCR, ELISA and immunoblotting techniques we found that Ph8 bound IL-4Rα and mimicked the anti-inflammatory effects of IL-4 by inhibiting TNF-α production by macrophages in vitro. It induced phosphorylation of STAT6 65kD but inhibited phosphorylation of STAT6 110 kD induced by IL-4 in a B-cell line that expressed the type I receptor. It also inhibited the IL-4-stimulated expression of a STAT6-inducible reporter gene in cells that expressed the type II receptor. Ph8 inhibited the proliferation of Th1/2 cells and downregulated the production of IFN-γ in stimulated Th1 cells. Moreover, Ph8 did not induce any shift in Th1/Th2 profile. This is a favorable effect and it is indicating that Ph8 could block general T cell activation and inflammatory responses without further inducing the side effects generally associated with IL-4 signaling. These data collectively show that Ph8 is only a partial agonist of IL-4 mimicking its desirable properties. In agreement, Ph8 treatment of rats with collagen-induced arthritis, a Th1- and antibody- mediated disease of joint, delayed the manifestation of chronic inflammation and reduced acute inflammation in carrageenan-induced edema. Our findings indicate that Ph8 is a promising potential drug candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Cytokine |
Volume | 64 |
Issue number | 1 |
Pages (from-to) | 112-21 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISSN | 1043-4666 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2013 |
- Animals, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal, Arthritis, Experimental, Cell Proliferation, Edema, HEK293 Cells, Humans, Interferon-gamma, Interleukin-4, Interleukin-4 Receptor alpha Subunit, Lymphocyte Activation, Macrophage Activation, Macrophages, Male, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Peptide Fragments, Phosphorylation, Protein Binding, Rats, Rats, Wistar, STAT6 Transcription Factor, Th1 Cells, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
Research areas
ID: 108143264