Role of IL-22 in tissue regeneration in autoimmunity (P5164)

Abstract

Abstract The various cell types in our bodies are constantly regenerating but at a different rate. In autoimmune diseases cells once destroyed can regenerate. However, immune system once activated continues to target and destroy these cells. Thus, tissue regeneration remains a challenge in these diseases. Cytokines play a major role in immune regulation, inflammation, tissue injury and autoimmunity. We have shown that immunostimulation by mycobacterial adjuvants such as BCG vaccine as well as complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) can prevent the autoimmune process and can stimulate tissue regeneration. These adjuvants induce regulatory Th17 (Treg17) cells and stimulate expression of Regenerative (Reg) genes such as Reg1 and Reg2 in pancreatic islets. Th17 cells also produce Interleukin-22 (IL-22) that has been shown to stimulate This is probably mediated through STAT3/ERK signaling. Reg gene expression. Blocking of IL-22 prevented the expression of Reg genes in vivo. In this study we explored the cell types that express Reg genes following IL-22 treatment by using RT-PCR analysis and by histological staining. Our hypothesis is that the Reg gene expression drives the islet regeneration following tissue injury by autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes. These approaches offer alternatives to tissue transplantation in autoimmunity.