Matrine inhibits Th17 cytokine-induced IL-17RA, IL-21R and IL-22R1 expressions of keratinocytes

Objective: To investigate the effects of matrine (Mat) on the expressions of IL-17RA, IL-21R and IL-22R1 induced by Th17 cytokines in HaCaT of keratinocytes.

Methods: We cultured HaCaT cells and stimulated HaCaT cells with Th17 effector cytokines IL-17A (10 ng/mL), IL-21 (10 ng/mL) and IL-22 (10 ng/mL) together to simulate psoriasis-like cell model. The cell model was treated with 10 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL Mat. RT-qPCR and Western blot were applied to detect the expressions of IL-17RA, IL-21R and IL-22R1.

Methods: IL-17RA, IL-21R and IL-22R1 were expressed in HaCaT cells at both mRNA and protein levels. HaCaT cells triggered by IL-17A, IL-21 and IL-22 together could significantly enhance the mRNA and protein expressions of IL-17RA and IL-21R as well as the protein expression of IL-22R1 (P<0.05). Mat treatment on the cells without Th17 cytokine stimulation did not affect IL-17RA, IL-21R or IL-22R1 expression (P>0.05), but Mat treatment to the cells separately or with Th17 cytokine stimulation together can significantly inhibit IL-17RA, IL-21R and IL-22R1 protein expressions compared with Th17 cytokine stimulation group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Stimulation of HaCaT cells with IL-17A, IL-21 and IL-22 can enhance the expressions of IL-17RA, IL-21R and IL-22R1. Mat seems to play an anti-inflammatory role through abrogating the stimulatory effects of Th17 cytokines on their receptor expressions in autoimmune skin disease.