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

J Immunol. 2007 Dec 15;179(12):8274-9. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.12.8274.

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 gammadelta TCR. This homeostatic system is disrupted in mice lacking adhesion molecules like beta2-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 beta2-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 gammadelta+ 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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD18 Antigens / genetics
  • Homeostasis / immunology
  • Interleukin-12 Subunit p40 / genetics
  • Interleukin-12 Subunit p40 / physiology*
  • Interleukin-17 / blood
  • Interleukin-17 / genetics
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-23 / genetics
  • Interleukin-23 / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Neutropenia / genetics*
  • Neutrophils / immunology*

Substances

  • CD18 Antigens
  • Interleukin-12 Subunit p40
  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukin-23