Inflammatory predisposition predicts disease phenotypes in muscular dystrophy

Yuko Nitahara-Kasahara, Shin’ichi Takeda, Takashi Okada

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an incurable genetic disease that presents with skeletal muscle weakness and chronic inflammation and is associated with early mortality. Indeed, immune cell infiltration into the skeletal muscle is a notable feature of the disease pathophysiology and is strongly associated with disease severity. Interleukin (IL)-10 regulates inflammatory immune responses by reducing both M1 macrophage activation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby promoting the activation of the M2 macrophage phenotype. We previously reported that genetic ablation of IL-10 in dystrophic mice resulted in more severe phenotypes, in regard to heart and respiratory function, as evidenced by increased macrophage infiltration, high levels of inflammatory factors in the muscle, and progressive cardiorespiratory dysfunction. These data therefore indicate that IL-10 comprises an essential immune-modulator within dystrophic muscles. In this review, we highlight the pivotal role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy and discuss how an increased understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.