IL-23 is required for neutrophil homeostasis in normal and neutrophilic mice

E Smith, A Zarbock, MA Stark, TL Burcin… - The Journal of …, 2007 - journals.aai.org
E Smith, A Zarbock, MA Stark, TL Burcin, AC Bruce, P Foley, K Ley
The Journal of Immunology, 2007journals.aai.org
IL-23 is secreted by macrophages and dendritic cells in response to microbial products and
inflammatory cytokines. IL-23 is a heterodimer composed of the unique IL-23p19 subunit
linked to the common p40 subunit that it shares with IL-12. IL-23 is implicated in autoimmune
diseases, where it supports the expansion of IL-17A-producing CD4+ Th17 cells. IL-23 also
regulates granulopoiesis in a neutrostat regulatory feedback loop through IL-17A-producing
neutrophil regulatory (Tn) cells, most of which express γδ TCR. This homeostatic system is …
Abstract
IL-23 is secreted by macrophages and dendritic cells in response to microbial products and inflammatory cytokines. IL-23 is a heterodimer composed of the unique IL-23p19 subunit linked to the common p40 subunit that it shares with IL-12. IL-23 is implicated in autoimmune diseases, where it supports the expansion of IL-17A-producing CD4+ Th17 cells. IL-23 also regulates granulopoiesis in a neutrostat regulatory feedback loop through IL-17A-producing neutrophil regulatory (Tn) cells, most of which express γδ TCR. This homeostatic system is disrupted in mice lacking adhesion molecules like β 2-integrins (Itgb2−/−) which have defective neutrophil trafficking and neutrophilia. To test the role of IL-23 in the homeostatic regulation of circulating neutrophil numbers, we measured blood neutrophil numbers in p40-deficient (IL12b−/−) mice and found them reduced compared with wild-type mice. IL12b−/− Itgb2−/− mice, lacking β 2-integrins, IL-12, and IL-23 showed significantly blunted neutrophilia compared with Itgb2−/− mice. Treatment of both IL12b−/− and IL12b−/− Itgb2−/− mice with IL-23, but not IL-12, restored circulating neutrophil counts. Serum levels of IL-17A were readily detectable in Itgb2−/− mice, but not in IL12b−/− Itgb2−/− mice, suggesting that IL-17A production is reduced when IL-23 is absent. Similarly, tissue mRNA expression of IL-17A was reduced in IL12b−/− Itgb2−/− mice compared with Itgb2−/− controls. The total number of CD3+ IL-17A-producing Tn cells were significantly reduced in the spleen and lamina propria of IL12b−/− Itgb2−/− mice, with the largest reduction found in γδ+ T cells. Our results suggest a prominent role of IL-23 in the regulation of granulopoiesis and the prevalence of IL-17A-producing Tn cells.
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