Cytokine profiling in anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a cross-sectional cohort study

ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) are severe diseases, potentially affecting lungs, kidney, and other organs. Nevertheless, risk profiling remains difficult. Aim of the current study was to analyze serological characteristics in AAV. The principal goal was to identify diagnostic markers that potentially allow a more sophisticated risk profiling in AAV. AAV subjects were recruited and evaluated for disease activity, disease stage, medication, and laboratory findings. Serum concentrations of the following parameters were measured: IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-17 A, IL-17 F, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, TNF-alpha, sCD40L, IL-4, IL-10, IL-25, IL-31, IL-33, and INF-gamma. A total number of 62 AAV subjects was included in the study (39 females; 23 males). Forty-five subjects were PR3+, 17 subjects showed ANCA specificity for MPO. The majority of all cytokines fell under the lower detection limit of the assay. Serum IL-10 was higher in both, AAV and SSc as compared to controls; it was also higher in early systemic AAV. Serum IL-33 was elevated in AAV and SSc; in AAV, higher levels were found in non-necrotizing GN and RTX untreated subjects. Serum CD40L was raised in AAV as well; higher concentrations were also found in PR3+ and MPO+ patients and early systemic, generalized, and refractory AAV. IL-10 may potentially serve as a marker of early systemic AAV. IL-33 may help to identify subjects with a higher risk for necrotizing GN in AAV.