Ex Vivo and In Vitro Proteomic Approach to Elucidate the Relevance of IL-4 and IL-10 in Intervertebral Disc Pathophysiology

Abstract

Background

This study investigates the native presence and potential anabolic effects of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 in the human intervertebral disc (IVD).

Methods

Human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells cultured in 3D from trauma and degenerate IVDs and NP explants were stimulated with 10 ng/mL IL-4, IL-10, or each in combination with 1 ng/mL IL-1β stimulation. The role of IL-4 and IL-10 in the IVD was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, gene expression, and Luminex multiplex immunoassay proteomics (73 secreted) and phosphoproteomics (21 phosphorylated proteins).

Results

IL-4, IL-4R, and IL-10R expression and localization in human cartilage endplate tissue were demonstrated for the first time. No significant gene expression changes were noted under IL-4 or IL-10 stimulation. However, IL-1β stimulation significantly increased MMP3, COX2, TIMP1, and TRPV4 expression in NP cells from trauma IVDs. Combined IL-4 and IL-1β treatment induced a significant increase in protein secretion of IL-1α, IL-7, IL-16, IL-17F, IL-18, IFNγ, TNF, ST2, PROK1, bFGF2, and stem cell factor exclusively in NP cells from degenerated IVDs. Conversely, the secretome profile of explants revealed an IL-4–mediated decrease in CXCL13 following treatment with IL-1β. Combined IL-10 and IL-1β treatment increased neurotrophic growth factor secretion compared with IL-10 baseline.

Conclusions

The NP cell phenotype affects the pleiotropic role of IL-4, which can induce a pro-inflammatory response in the presence of catabolic stimuli and enhance the effects of IL-1β in degenerated IVDs. Environmental factors, including 3D culture and hypoxia, may alter IL-4's role. Finally, IL-10's potential neurotrophic effects under catabolic stimuli warrant further investigation to clarify its role in IVD degeneration.