Indole-3-carbinol improves survival in lupus-prone mice by inducing tandem B- and T-cell differentiation blockades

Xiao jie Yan, Mei Qi, Gloria Telusma, Sophia Yancopoulos, Michael Madaio, Minoru Satoh, Westley H. Reeves, Saul Teichberg, Nina Kohn, Karen Auborn, Nicholas Chiorazzi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), derived from cruciferous vegetables, alters estrogen metabolism. Since lupus is estrogen dependent, we reasoned that I3C might be effective in SLE. I3C significantly thwarted disease progression and prolonged survival in (NZB × NZW) F1 mice. Immunofluorescent and serologic analyses in treated animals indicated a transient blockade in B-cell maturation with increased immature B cells, decreased mature B cells, and a significant reduction of certain autoantibodies. Subsequently, a delay in T-cell maturation occurred in the treated group, manifested by significantly increased naive T cells, decreased mature and memory T cells, and decreased CD4:CD8 T-cell ratios. T cells from the I3C cohort, stimulated in vitro with various mitogens, exhibited enhanced responsiveness. Con A-stimulated T cells from I3C-treated mice produced Th1 cytokines, whereas those from control animals produced Th2 cytokines. Our studies suggest immunological mechanisms by which I3C ameliorates SLE in mice and provide a rationale for its use as an adjunctive therapy for human lupus.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)481-494
Number of pages14
JournalClinical Immunology
Volume131
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Autoantibodies
  • B lymphocytes
  • Cytokines
  • Estrogen
  • I3C
  • Lymphocyte maturation
  • Renal disease
  • SLE
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • T lymphocytes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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