An IL-17F/A heterodimer protein is produced by mouse Th17 cells and induces airway neutrophil recruitment

J Immunol. 2007 Dec 1;179(11):7791-9. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.11.7791.

Abstract

IL-17A and IL-17F are related homodimeric proteins of the IL-17 family produced by Th17 cells. In this study, we show that mouse Th17 cells also produce an IL-17F/A heterodimeric protein. Whereas naive CD4(+) T cells differentiating toward the Th17 cell lineage expressed IL-17F/A in higher amounts than IL-17A/A homodimer and in lower amounts than IL-17F/F homodimer, differentiated Th17 cells expressed IL-17F/A in higher amounts than either homodimer. In vitro, IL-17F/A was more potent than IL-17F/F and less potent than IL-17A/A in regulating CXCL1 expression. Neutralization of IL-17F/A with an IL-17A-specific Ab, and not with an IL-17F-specific Ab, reduced the majority of IL-17F/A-induced CXCL1 expression. To study these cytokines in vivo, we established a Th17 cell adoptive transfer model characterized by increased neutrophilia in the airways. An IL-17A-specific Ab completely prevented Th17 cell-induced neutrophilia and CXCL5 expression, whereas Abs specific for IL-17F or IL-22, a cytokine also produced by Th17 cells, had no effects. Direct administration of mouse IL-17A/A or IL-17F/A, and not IL-17F/F or IL-22, into the airways significantly increased neutrophil and chemokine expression. Taken together, our data elucidate the regulation of IL-17F/A heterodimer expression by Th17 cells and demonstrate an in vivo function for this cytokine in airway neutrophilia.

MeSH terms

  • Adoptive Transfer / methods
  • Animals
  • Dimerization
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Interleukin-17 / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukin-17 / immunology
  • Lung / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Neutrophil Infiltration / immunology*
  • Neutrophils / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*

Substances

  • Interleukin-17