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Abstract
The interleukin 17 (IL-17) family of cytokines has emerged as a critical player in autoimmune disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the role of IL-17B, a poorly understood cytokine, in the pathogenesis of SLE is still not known. In this study, we investigated the role of IL-17B in the activation and differentiation of B cells, and the pathogenesis of SLE. Intriguingly, IL-17B deficiency aggravated disease in lupus-prone mice and promoted the activation of B cells and the differentiation of germinal center B cells and plasma cells, while recombinant mouse IL-17B (rmIL-17B) significantly alleviated disease in lupus-prone mice. Mechanistically, rmIL-17B inhibited the activation of the Toll-like receptor and interferon pathways in B cells by downregulating fatty acid synthase–mediated (FASN-mediated) lipid metabolism. Loss of FASN significantly alleviated the disease in lupus-prone mice and inhibited the activation and differentiation of B cells. In addition, B cells had greater FASN expression and lower IL-17RB levels in patients with SLE than in healthy controls. Our study describes the role of IL-17B in regulating B cell activation and differentiation, and alleviating the onset of SLE. These findings will lay a theoretical foundation for further understanding of the pathogenesis of SLE.
Authors
Yucai Xiao, Yuxin Hu, Yangzhe Gao, Lin Wang, Lili Zhang, Qun Ma, Zhaochen Ning, Lu Yu, Haochen Li, Jiakun Liu, Junyu Wang, Yonghong Yang, Huabao Xiong, Guanjun Dong
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