Progranulin Mediates Proinflammatory Responses in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Implications for the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease caused by the disorders of immune regulation but its pathogenesis is poorly understood. Progranulin (PGRN) is an immunomodulatory protein that is upregulated in SLE patients. However, the factors involved in regulating the pathogenesis of SLE by PGRN are largely unknown. We sought to investigate the role and molecular mechanisms of PGRN in SLE to develop a novel therapeutic target. We used an animal model of SLE that was induced in PGRN-deficient and normal wild type (WT) mice using pristane. PGRN concentrations were measured in SLE and the impact of PGRN deficiency was examined by measuring tissue injury and immune responses of T cells (Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg) and B cells. SLE patients and mice showed elevated PGRN levels. Compared with WT SLE mice, inflammatory cell infiltration, tissue edema, and necrosis were alleviated in PGRN−/− SLE mice and the levels of serum chemistry markers of tissue damage and the presence of anti-double-stranded DNA and anti-ribosomal protein P0 antibodies were all significantly decreased. We further discovered that PGRN deficiency could disturb the immune responses of T cell (Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg) and B cell responses, leading to the decrease of inflammatory cytokines including interferon-γ and interleukin-17A and increased levels of regulatory B cells. PGRN plays a proinflammatory role in the development of SLE partially through promoting the production of autoantibodies and enhancing Th1 and Th17 cell responses. This may provide new therapeutic options for patients with SLE.