Epithelial IL-23R Signaling Licenses Protective IL-22 Responses in Intestinal Inflammation.
Authors
Aden K, Rehman A, Falk-Paulsen M, Secher T, Kuiper J, Tran F, Pfeuffer S, Sheibani-Tezerji R, Breuer A, Luzius A, Jentzsch M, Häsler R, Billmann-Born S, Will O, Lipinski S, Bharti R, Adolph T, Iovanna JL, Kempster SL, Blumberg RS, Schreiber S, Becher B, Chamaillard M, Kaser A, Rosenstiel P
Summary
A plethora of functional and genetic studies have suggested a key role for the IL-23 pathway in chronic intestinal inflammation. Currently, pathogenic actions of IL-23 have been ascribed to specific effects on immune cells. Herein, we unveil a protective role of IL-23R signaling. Mice deficient in IL-23R expression in intestinal epithelial cells (Il23R(ΔIEC)) have reduced Reg3b expression, show a disturbed colonic microflora with an expansion of flagellated bacteria, and succumb to DSS colitis. Surprisingly, Il23R(ΔIEC) mice show impaired mucosal IL-22 induction in response to IL-23. αThy-1 treatment significantly deteriorates colitis in Il23R(ΔIEC) animals, which can be rescued by IL-22 application. Importantly, exogenous Reg3b administration rescues DSS-treated Il23R(ΔIEC) mice by recruiting neutrophils as IL-22-producing cells, thereby restoring mucosal IL-22 levels. The study identifies a critical barrier-protective immune pathway that originates from, and is orchestrated by, IL-23R signaling in intestinal epithelial cells.
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