| Objective Treg dysfunction or deficiency results in unopposed immune activation and lead to some autoimmune diseases,such as Sj?gren’s syndrome.Interleukin-2(IL-2)is critical for the expansion,suppressive function,and maintenance of Tregs.This study is to evaluate the effect of low dose IL-2 treatment in SS.Methods 8-week old female NOD mice were administered daily subcutaneous injections of humanized recumbent Interleukin-2(30,000 IU)every day or PBS as a control.Immunized mice were analyzed at week 16.Solenocytes were incubated with fluorophore-conjugated monoclonal antibodies and Treg(Foxp3+CD25+CD4+)cells was analyzed by flow cytometry.The animals were analyzed for the presence of anti-SSA,anti-SSB,RF,ANA by immunofluorescence or ELISA.The salivary flow rate was measured.Salivary glands were examined by H&E staining.Results The number of Foxp3~+ CD4~+CD25~+ regulatory T cells was higher in the IL-2 groups compared to the PBS control groups(p<0.05).SS related antibodies titles and lymphocytic infiltration in the salivary glands were decreased in IL-2-treated group.Salivary flow rate increased in IL-2 treatment group.Conclusions Low dose IL-2 effectively expands Tregs in vivo and inhibites the progression of experimental Sj?gren’s syndrome autoimmunity.Which will be a useful preclinical study to assess human therapeutics or drug targets prior to clinical applications. |
