Inhibition of IL17A Using an Affibody Molecule Attenuates Inflammation in ApoE-Deficient Mice.

The balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines released by immune and non-immune cells plays a decisive role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Interleukin (IL)-17A has been shown to accelerate atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the effect on pro-inflammatory mediators and atherosclerosis development of an Affibody molecule that targets IL17A. Affibody molecule neutralizing IL17A, or sham were administered to human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMCs) and murine NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and to atherosclerosis-prone, hyperlipidaemic ApoE mice. Levels of mediators of inflammation and development of atherosclerosis were compared between treatments. Exposure of human smooth muscle cells and murine NIH/3T3 fibroblasts to αIL-17A Affibody molecule markedly reduced IL6 and CXCL1 release in supernatants compared with sham exposure. Treatment of ApoE mice with αIL-17A Affibody molecule significantly reduced plasma protein levels of CXCL1, CCL2, CCL3, HGF, PDGFB, MAP2K6, QDPR, and splenocyte mRNA levels of , and compared with sham exposure. There was no significant difference in atherosclerosis burden between the groups. In conclusion, administration of αIL17A Affibody molecule reduced levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and attenuated inflammation in ApoE mice.