Cytokine Modulation by IL-35 in Mice with Allergic Rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL) 35 was recently identified as an additional anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive cytokine. However, the role of IL-35 in allergic rhinitis is not well understood. The effect of IL-35 on other cytokines in allergic responses is also unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate, in mice with allergic rhinitis, the effect of IL-35 on other cytokines associated with allergic rhinitis. METHODS: A murine model of allergic rhinitis was established, and splenic cells were collected. Ovalbumin-specific allergic T-cell response was measured. The production of cytokines (T helper 1 interferon-gamma), Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), Th17 (IL-17), IL-12 family (IL-12, IL-23, IL-27), IL-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta, and IL-10) stimulated with antigen was also measured in the presence or absence of IL-35. RESULTS: IL-35 significantly inhibited the ovalbumin-specific T-cell response. It also significantly reduced the production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, IL-23, and TNF-alpha, and significantly increased the production of IL-2, IL-10, and IL-27. CONCLUSION: This study showed that IL-35 inhibits allergic T-cell response and has the ability to modulate the production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, IL-23, IL-27, and TNF-alpha in mice with allergic rhinitis. This study also indicated the possibility of a novel therapy with IL-35 for the control of allergic rhinitis.