The involvement of IL-17A in the murine response to sub-lethal inhalational infection with Francisella tularensis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Francisella tularensis is an intercellular bacterium often causing fatal disease when inhaled. Previous reports have underlined the role of cell-mediated immunity and IFNgamma in the host response to Francisella tularensis infection.

Methodology/principal findings

Here we provide evidence for the involvement of IL-17A in host defense to inhalational tularemia, using a mouse model of intranasal infection with the Live Vaccine Strain (LVS). We demonstrate the kinetics of IL-17A production in lavage fluids of infected lungs and identify the IL-17A-producing lymphocytes as pulmonary gammadelta and Th17 cells. The peak of IL-17A production appears early during sub-lethal infection, it precedes the peak of immune activation and the nadir of the disease, and then subside

SUBMITTER: Markel G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2887844 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature