Anti-IL-39 (IL-23p19/Ebi3) polyclonal antibodies ameliorate autoimmune symptoms in lupus-like mice

The interleukin (IL)‑12 family cytokines have been examined as therapeutic targets in the treatment of several autoimmune diseases. Our previous study showed that a novel IL‑12 family cytokine, IL‑39 (IL‑23p19/Ebi3) mediates inflammation in lupus‑like mice. In the present study, the effect of anti‑mouse IL‑39 polyclonal antibodies on autoimmune symptoms in lupus‑like mice was investigated. Rabbit anti‑mouse IL‑39 polyclonal antibodies were produced by immunization with recombinant mouse IL‑39, and purified using protein A chromatography. These antibodies were subsequently used to treat lupus‑like mice. Flow cytometry, captured images, ELISA and H&E staining were used to determine the effect of anti‑IL‑39 polyclonal antibodies on inflammatory cells, autoantibody titers, proteinuria, infiltrating inflammatory cells and the structure of the glomerular region. The anti‑IL‑39 polyclonal antibodies effectively reduced the numbers of inflammatory cells, splenomegaly, autoantibody titers, proteinuria, infiltrating inflammatory cells, and restored the structure of the glomerular region in MRL/lpr mice. Taken together, these results suggested that anti‑IL‑39 polyclonal antibodies ameliorated autoimmune symptoms in lupus‑like mice. Therefore, IL‑39 may be used as a possible target for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.