Modeling the IL-2-Teff-Treg system in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients: possible mechanism and treatment strategies

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a non-organ specific autoimmune disease, which the pathogenesis of development is still unclear. For revealing the underlying mechanism, we construct a mathematical model depicting the interactions among CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells), CD4+ effect T cells (Teff cells) and IL-2 in SLE patients to simulate and reproduce the development of SLE. Through our analysis, one possible pathogenesis is that the activation point and deactivation point of Teff in SLE patients produced a forward shift compared to the normal Teff. According to our simulation, a therapeutic window existed in the treatment of lupus with exogenous IL-2, which means there is a strict limit to the dose of IL-2 in clinic. Finally, we study three different dosing strategies and reveal that specific dosing regimens can better exert the effects of IL-2 and relieve the possible side effect of high dose IL-2. It is possible to promote the study of autoimmune diseases through our efforts and assist the development of precision medical treatment.