ABSTRACT
Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) results from activation of IL-23/Th17 immune pathway and is further amplified by cytokines/chemokines from skin cells. Among skin-derived pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-36 family members are highly upregulated in PV patients and play a critical role in general pustular psoriasis. However, there is limited data showing crosstalk between the IL-23 and IL-36 pathways in PV. Herein, potential attenuation of skin inflammation in the IL-23-induced mouse model of psoriasiform dermatitis by functional inhibition of IL-36 receptor (IL-36R) was interrogated. Anti-mouse IL-36R monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated and validated in vitro by inhibiting IL-36α-induced secretion of CXCL1 from NIH 3T3 cells. Antibody target engagement was demonstrated by inhibition of CXCL1 production in a novel acute model of IL-36α systemic injection in mice. In addition, anti-IL-36R mAbs inhibited tissue inflammation and inflammatory gene expression in an IL-36α ear injection model of psoriasiform dermatitis demonstrating engagement of the target in the ear skin. To elucidate the possible role of IL-36 signalling in IL-23/Th17 pathway, the ability of anti-IL-36R mAbs to inhibit skin inflammation in an IL-23 ear injection model was assessed. Inhibiting the IL-36 pathway resulted in significant attenuation of skin thickening and psoriasis-relevant gene expression. Taken together, these data suggest a role for IL-36 signalling in the IL-23/Th17 signalling axis in PV.