Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by multisystem involvement, frequently including cardiovascular manifestations. Interleukin 2 (IL-2), a key cytokine in immune regulation, plays a pivotal role in maintaining tolerance by promoting regulatory T cell function. The relationship between serum IL-2 levels and specific SLE features remains incompletely defined. The aim of our study was to investigate the associations between serum IL-2 concentrations and disease activity, inflammatory markers, autoantibody profiles as well as cardiovascular and metabolic parameters in a well-characterised cohort of patients with SLE. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 235 patients with SLE were recruited and characterised, including assessment of autoantibody profiles, disease activity indices (SLE Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K)), Damage Index and remission status. Cardiovascular characteristics were evaluated, encompassing lipid profiles, insulin resistance indices and carotid ultrasound parameters such as plaque presence, intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness. Serum IL-2 concentrations were quantified using an ultrasensitive technique, the Single Molecule Array (Simoa). Multivariable linear regression was conducted to examine the associations between circulating IL-2 levels and clinical as well as cardiovascular manifestations of SLE. Results In multivariable analyses, serum IL-2 levels showed significant positive associations with inflammatory markers including C reactive protein and IL-6. Disease activity, assessed by SLEDAI-2K, was positively correlated with IL-2 levels. Positive and significant associations were also noted, after adjustment for covariates, between IL-2 and specific autoantibodies, including anti-DNA, anti-Sjögren’s syndrome antigen A (SSA), anti-Sjögren’s syndrome antigen B (SSB), anti-Smith (Sm) and antiribosome. Regarding cardiovascular disease factors, triglycerides were positively associated with IL-2 whereas high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol exhibited an inverse relationship. Conclusion Significant correlations exist between serum IL-2 levels and markers of inflammation, lipid profile, disease activity and specific autoantibody profiles in patients with SLE. These findings underscore the pivotal role of IL-2 in SLE immunopathogenesis, reflecting its intricate involvement in modulating both inflammatory responses and metabolic pathways.
Gonzalez-Gay et al. (Thu,) studied this question.