Characterization of autoantibodies and cytokines related to cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Objective To investigate the profiles of anti-RPLP0, anti-galectin3 antibodies, interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-λ1(IFN-λ1) and interleukin-17A/F(IL-17A/F) in the subtypes of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) including acute CLE (ACLE), subacute CLE (SCLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). Methods Serum levels of autoantibodies and cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Lupus lesions were evaluated by cutaneous lupus erythematosus disease area and severity index (CLASI). Results Serum anti-RPLP0, anti-galectin3 antibodies and IFN-λ1 were higher in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with skin lesions than those without skin lesions, compared to healthy controls. IFN-α, IL-17A and IL-17F was elevated in all patients regardless of skin lesions. The two antibodies, IFN-α and IL-17A were positively correlated with the CLASI score in all patients with CLE. In addition, serum IL-17A was positively correlated to the CLASI score of ACLE, SCLE and DLE, while anti-RPLP0 and anti-galectin3 antibodies were only correlated to the score of SCLE and IL-17F to DLE. Conclusion Serum anti-RPLP0, anti-galectin3 antibodies, IFN-α, IFN-λ1 and IL-17A/F are associated with the occurrence of lupus skin lesions regardless of the systemic complications, whereas the profiles of these inflammatory mediators vary with the subtypes of lupus skin lesions.