IL-23 Is Required for Neutrophil Homeostasis in Normal and Neutrophilic Mice

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 β2-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 β2-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.