Title
The Role of the IL-23/IL-17 axis and neutrophils during infection with Listeria monocytogenes
Date of Award
5-2010
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
First Advisor
Rance Berg, Ph.D
Abstract
Infection with the gram-positive, intracellular bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes (LM) induces a pro-inflammatory cytokine environment and inflammatory cell influx to sites of infection. The cytokine IL-23 is involved in the maintenance of IL-17A and IL-17F secreting cells which are indirectly required for the recruitment of neutrophils during infection. Neutrophils are thought to be essential for resistance against LM infection; however, their specific role during LM Infection has yet to be defined. By using knockout mice that are deficient in IL-23 or the IL-17 receptor-A, thus devoid of IL-17A and IL-17F signaling, we demonstrate a protective role for the IL-23/IL-17 axis during infection with LM. Our data suggest that the IL-23/IL-17 axis can regulate the continual recruitment of neutrophils into the liver. Furthermore, we demonstrate a protective role for neutrophils. Neutrophils can produce TNF-α, but not IFN-γ during LM infection. Collectively, these data indicate that the IL-23/IL-17 axis and neutrophils are required for resistance against LM infection
Recommended Citation
Meeks, K. D.
,
"The Role of the IL-23/IL-17 axis and neutrophils during infection with Listeria monocytogenes" Fort Worth, Tx: University of North Texas Health Science Center;
(2010).
http://digitalcommons.hsc.unt.edu/theses/97