Transcriptomics and proteomics reveal a cooperation between interferon and T-helper 17 cells in neuromyelitis optica
Agnieshka M Agasing, Qi Wu, Bhuwan Khatri, Nadja Borisow, Klemens Ruprecht, Alexander Ulrich Brandt, Saurabh Gawde, Gaurav Kumar, James L Quinn, Rose M Ko, Yang Mao-Draayer, Christopher J Lessard, Friedemann Paul, Robert C Axtell, Agnieshka M Agasing, Qi Wu, Bhuwan Khatri, Nadja Borisow, Klemens Ruprecht, Alexander Ulrich Brandt, Saurabh Gawde, Gaurav Kumar, James L Quinn, Rose M Ko, Yang Mao-Draayer, Christopher J Lessard, Friedemann Paul, Robert C Axtell
Abstract
Type I interferon (IFN-I) and T helper 17 (TH17) drive pathology in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and in TH17-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (TH17-EAE). This is paradoxical because the prevalent theory is that IFN-I inhibits TH17 function. Here we report that a cascade involving IFN-I, IL-6 and B cells promotes TH17-mediated neuro-autoimmunity. In NMOSD, elevated IFN-I signatures, IL-6 and IL-17 are associated with severe disability. Furthermore, IL-6 and IL-17 levels are lower in patients on anti-CD20 therapy. In mice, IFN-I elevates IL-6 and exacerbates TH17-EAE. Strikingly, IL-6 blockade attenuates disease only in mice treated with IFN-I. By contrast, B-cell-deficiency attenuates TH17-EAE in the presence or absence of IFN-I treatment. Finally, IFN-I stimulates B cells to produce IL-6 to drive pathogenic TH17 differentiation in vitro. Our data thus provide an explanation for the paradox surrounding IFN-I and TH17 in neuro-autoimmunity, and may have utility in predicting therapeutic response in NMOSD.
Conflict of interest statement
R.C.A. has consulted for Roche, Biogen, and EMD serono. Y.M.-D. has consulted for and/or received grant support from: Acorda, Bayer Pharmaceutical, Biogen Idec, EMD Serono, Genzyme, Novartis, Questor, Genentech, and Teva Neuroscience. F.P. has consulted for and/or received speaker honoraria from Bayer, Teva, Genzyme, Merck, Novartis, and MedImmune. All other authors declare no competing interests.
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References
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