TGF-Beta Blockade Increases Renal Inflammation Caused by the C-Terminal Module of the CCN2

Mediators Inflamm. 2015:2015:506041. doi: 10.1155/2015/506041. Epub 2015 May 5.

Abstract

The CCN family member 2 (CCN2, also known as connective tissue growth factor) may behave as a risk biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for renal disease. CCN2 participates in the regulation of inflammation and fibrosis. TGF-β is considered the main fibrogenic cytokine; however, in some pathological settings TGF-β also has anti-inflammatory properties. CCN2 has been proposed as a downstream profibrotic mediator of TGF-β, but data on TGF-β role in CCN2 actions are scarce. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of TGF-β blockade in CCN2-mediated experimental renal damage. Systemic administration of the C-terminal module of CCN2 to mice caused sustained renal inflammation. In these mice, TGF-β blockade, using an anti-TGF-β neutralizing antibody, significantly increased renal expression of the NGAL (a kidney injury biomarker), kidney infiltration by monocytes/macrophages, and upregulation of MCP-1 expression. The anti-inflammatory effect of TGF-β seems to be mediated by a dysregulation of the systemic Treg immune response, shown by decreased levels of circulating CD4(+)/Foxp3(+)Treg cells. Our experimental data support the idea that TGF-β exerts anti-inflammatory actions in the kidney and suggest that it is not an optimal therapeutic target.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Connective Tissue Growth Factor / toxicity*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Inflammation / chemically induced*
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Kidney / drug effects*
  • Kidney / immunology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Receptors, CCR2 / metabolism
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, CCR2
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Connective Tissue Growth Factor