Longitudinal changes in the expression of IL-33 and IL-33 regulated genes in relapsing remitting MS

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that the expression of IL-33 in MS is dynamic and is likely to reflect the clinical and radiological changes during the course of RRMS. METHODS: MS with either clinical or radiological relapses were recruited for the study and followed for one year. IL-33 and a panel of genes was measured by q PCR and flow cytometry at different time points. RESULTS: Among 22 RRMS patients, 4 patients showed highest levels of IL-33 at the time they were recruited to the study (Month 0); in 14 patients highest levels of IL-33 were seen between 6–11 months after relapse and in 4 patients maximal levels of IL-33 were seen 12 months after relapse. A similar pattern of IL-33 kinetics was seen when IL-33 was measured by flow cytometry in an additional cohort of 12 patients. The timing of the improvement clinically did not correlate with IL-33 expression with highest expression levels either preceding or following clinical recovery. From our whole genome RNA-sequencing data we found a strong correlation between expression levels of IL-33 and a ~2000 mRNA genes. However, none of these genes encoded proteins involved in either innate or adaptive immunity. Rather, many of the genes that correlated highly with IL-33 encoded to proteins involved in DNA repair or mitochondrial function and mRNA splicing pathways. INTERPRETATION: Given the neuro-reparative and remodeling functions attributed to IL-33, it is likely that some of the novel genes we have uncovered may be involved in repair and recovery of the CNS in MS.