IL-17 Production Is Dominated by γδ T Cells rather than CD4 T Cells during Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection

Abstract IL-17 is a cytokine produced by T cells in response to IL-23. Recent data support a new subset of CD4 Th cells distinct from Th1 or Th2 cells that produce IL-17 and may contribute to inflammation. In this study, we demonstrate that, in naive mice, as well as during Mycobacterium tuberculosi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Journal of immunology (1950) Vol. 177; no. 7; pp. 4662 - 4669
Main Authors Lockhart, Euan, Green, Angela M., Flynn, JoAnne L.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.10.2006
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Summary:Abstract IL-17 is a cytokine produced by T cells in response to IL-23. Recent data support a new subset of CD4 Th cells distinct from Th1 or Th2 cells that produce IL-17 and may contribute to inflammation. In this study, we demonstrate that, in naive mice, as well as during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, IL-17 production is primarily from γδ T cells and other non-CD4+CD8+ cells, rather than CD4 T cells. The production of IL-17 by these cells is stimulated by IL-23 alone, and strongly induced by the cytokines, including IL-23, produced by M. tuberculosis-infected dendritic cells. IL-23 is present in the lungs early in infection and the IL-17-producing cells, such as γδ T cells, may represent a central innate protective response to pulmonary infection.
ISSN:0022-1767
1550-6606
DOI:10.4049/jimmunol.177.7.4662