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Interleukin-17-Mediated Protective Cytokine Signaling Against Degeneration of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

ABSTRACT: Injuries to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and outer retina often result in the accumulation of retinal microglia within the subretinal space. These subretinal microglia play crucial roles in inflammation and resolution, but the mechanisms governing their functions are still largely unknown. Our previous research highlighted the protective functions of choroidal gd T cells in response to RPE injury. In the current study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing approach to delve deeper into the mechanisms involved. We found that gd T cells were the primary producer of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the choroid. IL-17 signaled through its receptor on the RPE, subsequently triggering the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6). This cascade of cytokines initiated a metabolic reprogramming of subretinal microglia, enhancing their capacity for lipid metabolism. RPE-specific knockout of IL-17 receptor A led to the dysfunction of subretinal microglia and RPE pathology. Collectively, our findings suggest that responding to RPE injury, the choroidal gd T cells can initiate a protective signaling cascade that ensures the proper functioning of subretinal microglia.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE244661 | GEO | 2023/11/29

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused by the degeneration of the macular photoreceptors. This is preceded by development of subretinal protein aggregates (drusen) and degeneration of the macular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The underlying pathogenesis remains unknown, but the immune system is suspected to play a key role in it. Aging of the immune system, immunosenescence, includes changes in T cell sub-populations and results in low-level chronic inflammation. Because AMD exclusively occurs in patients over 55 years of age, we hypothesize that aging of the T cell compartment may be implicated in AMD pathogenesis. Methodology and principal findings: Using an in vitro co-culture system, we investigated the effects of activated T cells on a human RPE cell line (ARPE-19). Differential gene expression in the RPE cells of complement factor genes was identified using microarrays, and selected gene transcripts from the alternative complement pathway were validated by q-RT-PCR. Protein expression was determined by ELISA and immunoblotting. Co-culture with activated T cells increased RPE mRNA and protein expression of complement component C3, factors B, H, H-like 1, CD46, CD59, and clusterin, in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: RPE cells responded to inflammatory assault caused by exposure to T cell-derived cytokines by upregulating expression of many complement factors from the alternative pathway. This may have implications for RPE ability to deal with complement attack, and opsonization and removal of debris from the RPE-choroidal interface. We speculate that regulation of the complement system in response to inflammatory assault may play a vital role in RPE pathology and drusen biogenesis. Experiment Overall Design: 10 samples investigating variations of co-cultures of RPE cells and T-cells. Variable parameters include the cell type, the co-culturing of the counter-part cell type and the orientation of the system (apical vs basolateral).

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Interleukin-17-Mediated Protective Cytokine Signaling Against Degeneration of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

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