Tetra-arsenic tetra-sulfide ameliorates lupus syndromes by inhibiting IL-17 producing double negative T cells

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease of uncertain etiology that affects multiple tissues and organs. Tetra‐arsenic tetra‐sulfide (As4S4), a traditional Chinese medicine, is effective on acute promyelocytic leukemia with mild side effects. In our previous study, BXSB lupus‐prone mice treated with As4S4 has showed improved monocytosis, decreased serum interleukin (IL)‐6 and suppressed skin, liver and renal lesions with well‐tolerance. In this study, we explored the effect and mechanism of As4S4 on the MRL/lpr mice. MRL/lpr and wild MRL/MpJ mice were divided into control and As4S4 treatment groups and dosed with As4S4 or placebo for 8 weeks. We found that As4S4 prevented the skin, renal and lung lesions of MRL/lpr mice. As4S4 significantly decreased the double negative T (DN T) cells and reduced the serum levels of IL‐17, IL‐10, and antinuclear antibodies titer. Further results revealed that the FasL was decreased, and activated caspases elevated in DN T cells in As4S4 treated MRL/lpr mice. Taken together, As4S4 could selectively suppresses DN T cells by inducing apoptosis. It also reduced inflammatory cytokines IL‐17, which may be produced by DN T cells. As4S4 may represent a new therapy for SLE.

Dan Bai Xiao Formula combined with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide for pediatric lupus nephritis: A pilot prospective study

“…Studies have shown that some herbal components in this recipe exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects. Oxymatrine, an active constituent of Radix Sophorae Flavescentis, protects the organs and tissues by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis[ 7 - 9 ]. Shibeshi et al [ 10 ] observed that Achyranthis asperae has a regulating effect on serum lipids and hormones (Table 1 ).…”