Systemic IL-26 correlates with improved asthma control in children sensitized to dog allergen

• Published in: Respiratory research Vol. 25; no. 1; p. 163
• Main Authors: Kovach, Melissa A, Käck, Ulrika, Che, Karlhans F, Brundin, Bettina, Konradsen, Jon R, Lindén, Anders
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 15-04-2024; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Allergens; Analysis; Animals; Asthma - diagnosis; Asthma - drug therapy; Asthma in children; Biomarkers; Care and treatment; Child; Control; Corticosteroids; Diagnosis; Dogs; Dosage and administration; Humans; Identification and classification; Interleukin-17; Interleukins; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Ursidae; Sweden
• ISSN: 1465-993X; 1465-9921; 1465-993X
• DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02773-7

Interleukin (IL)-26 is produced by T helper type 17 (Type 17) cells and exerts immunomodulatory plus antimicrobial effects. Previous studies show that local IL-26 concentrations in the airways are higher in patients with uncontrolled than in those with controlled asthma, and that this intriguing cytokine bears biomarker potential. Here, we determined how systemic IL-26 relates to allergen sensitization, asthma severity, and to IL-17 A in children.
Serum samples were obtained from children with (n = 60) and without (n = 17) sensitization to dog allergen, and IL-26 and IL-17 A protein concentrations were measured using ELISA. Self-reported history, including medication use and validated symptom-based questionnaire scores, was recorded.
The serum concentrations of IL-26 were enhanced in allergen-sensitized subjects and correlated with those of IL-17 A in a positive manner. However, the IL-26 concentrations did not markedly differ between allergen-sensitized subjects with and without asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, or a history of food allergy. Notably, IL-26 concentrations correlated with increasing Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores in a positive manner and with inhaled corticosteroid in a negative manner, amongst sensitized subjects with asthma. Moreover, subjects with asthma requiring ≥ 1 course of oral corticosteroids in the preceding 12 months had decreased IL-26 concentrations.
This study forwards evidence that systemic IL-26, just like IL-17 A, is involved in allergen sensitization among children. The association of systemic IL-26 with improved asthma control is compatible with the cellular sources being recruited into the airways in severe asthma, which supports that this kinocidin bears potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.