MD TP8: The role of IL-33 and its receptor ST2 in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the respiratory tract and necrotizing vasculitis affecting small to medium-sized vessels. It is associated with the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (cANCA). Different pathogenic scenarios exist but none of them are proven yet. Further investigation is needed and more factors involved in this disease have to be found.

IL-33 is a new member of the IL-1 super-family of cytokines that is expressed mainly by structural cells of “barrier tissues”, such as epithelial cells and endothelial cells. IL-33 can be released upon necrosis, a process seen in granulomatous lesions in tissues of GPA patients. IL-33 can activate DC, influence T-cell phenotypes and is important in bone-protective processes. We therefore want to investigate the role of IL-33 in GPA with regard to a possible lack of this cytokine or its receptor ST2 in GPA. In this project the MD candidate will analyze  IL-33 and ST2 expression in nasal tissues by staining techniques, measure sera concentration by ELISA and analyze gene expression and protein levels in different cell types by qRT-PCR and western blot to investigate possible differences in GPA versus controls.

The experimental work has been completed.