Interleukin-27 Regulates the Function of the Gastrointestinal Epithelial Barrier in a Human Tissue-Derived Organoid Model

oleh: Daniel P. Brice, Graeme I. Murray, Heather M. Wilson, Ross J. Porter, Susan Berry, Scott K. Durum, Mairi H. McLean

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2022-03-01

Deskripsi

A treatment with direct healing effects on the gastrointestinal epithelial barrier is desirable for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is an immunoregulatory cytokine, and oral delivery is an effective treatment in murine models of IBD. We aimed to define IL-27 effects on the human gastrointestinal epithelial barrier. We characterised gene and protein expression of permeability mediators in a human colon-derived organoid model. Functional permeability was determined in an organoid-derived 2D monolayer by transepithelial electrical resistance. IL-27 effects on epithelial innate immune responses were assessed through expression of cytokines, anti-microbial peptides and MUC genes. IL-27 effects on wound healing and proliferation were determined in human colon epithelial cell lines. IL-27 led to restoration of permeability regulation following inflammatory cytokine insult (<i>p</i> = 0.001), associated with differential expression of tight junction mediators with decrease in claudin 2 (<i>p</i> = 0.024) and increase in claudin 4 (<i>p</i> < 0.001), E-cadherin (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and zona occludens (<i>p</i> = 0.0014). IL-27 evoked differential gene expression of epithelial-derived innate immune responses (reduced IL1B and IL18, and increased IL33, HBD1, MUC1 and MUC2; <i>p</i> < 0.012). IL-27 induced epithelial barrier wound healing through restitution (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and increased proliferation (<i>p</i> < 0.001) following injury. Overall, IL-27 provokes mucosal healing of the human gastrointestinal epithelial barrier.