Anti-IL-20 antibody improved motor function and reduced glial scar formation after traumatic spinal cord injury in rats

Journal of Neuroinflammation, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-020-01814-4 · Published: April 13, 2020

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to neurological issues, potentially causing paralysis. This injury often results in irreversible neurological deficits and glial scar formation. The body's inflammatory response significantly worsens the initial damage. IL-20, a proinflammatory cytokine, is known to elevate TGF-β1 production in other conditions. This study explores IL-20's role in SCI, suggesting it worsens the neuroinflammatory response after spinal cord injuries. The study found that blocking IL-20 with a specific antibody (7E) improved motor and sensory functions in rats with SCI. It also aided in preserving spinal cord tissue and reducing glial scar formation, suggesting IL-20 as a possible therapeutic target.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

Adult female Sprague Dawley rats (220–250 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
IL-20 and its receptors are expressed in astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia in the spinal cord after SCI in rats.
2
In vitro, IL-20 enhances astrocyte reactivation and cell migration in human astrocyte (HA) cells by upregulating glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), TGF-β1, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-6 expression.
3
In vivo, treating SCI rats with anti-IL-20 mAb 7E remarkably inhibited the inflammatory responses, improved motor and sensory functions, improved spinal cord tissue preservation and reduced glial scar formation in SCI rats.

Research Summary

This study investigates the role of IL-20, a proinflammatory cytokine, in spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The researchers examined the expression of IL-20 and its receptors after SCI and explored its regulatory roles in astrocytes and neuron cells. The findings indicate that IL-20 is upregulated after SCI and is expressed in various cell types in the spinal cord. In vitro experiments demonstrated that IL-20 enhances astrocyte reactivation and inhibits neurite outgrowth. Treatment with an anti-IL-20 monoclonal antibody (7E) in SCI rats improved motor and sensory functions, reduced glial scar formation, and enhanced spinal cord tissue preservation, suggesting IL-20 as a potential therapeutic target for SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target

IL-20 may be a promising therapeutic target for SCI treatment.

Anti-inflammatory Strategies

Blocking IL-20 with monoclonal antibody 7E might offer a novel approach to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes after SCI.

Understanding SCI Pathology

IL-20 plays a critical role in the neuroinflammatory response and is an important regulator of astrocyte reactivation and axonal regeneration after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not directly translate to humans.
2
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which IL-20 contributes to SCI.
3
The optimal timing and dosage of anti-IL-20 mAb treatment in SCI require further investigation.

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