IL-20 is an arteriogenic cytokine that remodels collateral networks and improves functions of ischemic hind limbs

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Sep 25;104(39):15364-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0707302104. Epub 2007 Sep 18.

Abstract

Successful therapeutic angiogenesis for the treatment of ischemic disorders relies on selection of optimal proangiogenic or arteriogenic agents that are able to promote establishment of functional collateral networks. Here, we show that IL-20, a pleiotropic inflammatory cytokine, displays an imperative effect on vascular remodeling. Stimulation of both large and microvascular endothelial cells with IL-20 leads to activation of receptor-dependent multiple intracellular signaling components, including increased phosphorylation levels of JAK2/STAT5, Erk1/2, and Akt; activation of small GTP-binding proteins Rac and Rho; and intracellular release of calcium. Surprisingly, IL-20 significantly promotes endothelial cell tube formation without affecting their proliferation and motility. These findings suggest that the vascular function of IL-20 involves endothelial cell organization, vessel maturation, and remodeling. Consistent with this notion, delivery of IL-20 to the ischemic muscle tissue significantly improves arteriogenesis and blood perfusion in a rat hind-limb model. Our findings provide mechanistic insights on vascular functions of IL-20 and define therapeutic implication of this cytokine for the treatment of ischemic disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arteries / pathology
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Cytokines / physiology*
  • Drug Combinations
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Hindlimb / metabolism*
  • Inflammation
  • Interleukins / metabolism
  • Interleukins / physiology*
  • Ischemia / pathology*
  • Laminin / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic*
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Proteoglycans / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / metabolism

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Drug Combinations
  • Interleukins
  • Laminin
  • Proteoglycans
  • matrigel
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Collagen
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases
  • interleukin 20