The effect of interleukin-35 on the integrity,ICAM-1 expression and apoptosis of human aortic smooth muscle cells

Background interleukin-35 (il-35) is a novel immunomodulatory cytokine produced by cd4+ 25+ foxp3+ regulatory t-cells (t regs). vascular smooth muscle cells (vsmcs) are involved in local immune homeostasis and certain chronic inflammatory pathologies. the effect of il-35 on electrical impedance reflecting tissue integrity,the surface expression of icam-1 and mrna expression of il-32,as well as apoptosis in human primary aortic smooth muscle cells (ao-smcs) was investigated. methods the influence of il-35 on ao-smc integrity was assessed with the real-time cell electric impedance sensing system (rtca-dp) based on normalized cell index (nci). additionally,ao-smcs were stimulated with il-35 in order to assess icam-1 surface expression and apoptosis in flow cytometer. il-32 mrna expression was measured using real-time pcr. results we found that the nci of ao-smcs induced with il-35 was lower after 12,24 and 48 h of incubation than the nci of unstimulated cells. il-35 slightly enhanced icam-1 surface expression and increased il-32 mrna expression in ao-smcs after 24 h of induction. however,il-35 did not affect ao-smc apoptosis,necrosis or viability. conclusion our data suggest that il-35 may be an agent affecting the inflammatory properties of aosmcs and thus it may regulate immune homeostasis of the vascular wall. hence,il-35 may be a novel player affecting ao-smc-controlled arterial wall immune homeostasis. © 2014 institute of pharmacology,polish academy of sciences. published by elsevier urban & partner sp. z o.o. all rights reserved.