Inhibition of colitis by IL-25 associates with induction of alternatively activated macrophages

Background: Interleukin (IL)-25, a Th2-related factor, inhibits the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages and attenuates experimental colitis in mice. The mechanism underlying the counterregulatory effect of IL-25, however, remains unknown. Since Th2-cytokines can abrogate inflammatory pathways by inducing alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs), we evaluated whether AAMs are involved in the IL-25-mediated anticolitic effect. Methods: AAM-related markers were evaluated in peritoneal and lamina propria mononuclear cells of mice with or without 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene-sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis treated with IL-25 and/or neutralizing IL-4, IL-13, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) antibodies. Peritoneal AAMs induced in vivo by injecting mice with IL-25 were transferred to mice with TNBS colitis. Finally, we assessed the in vitro effect of IL-25 on the alternative activation of peritoneal F4/80+ cells. Results: IL-25 enhanced the expression of AAM-related markers in F4/80+ cells infiltrating the peritoneum and colon of naive and colitic mice. Peritoneal F4/80(+) cells isolated from IL-25-treated mice reduced the severity of TNBS colitis when injected intraperitoneally to recipient mice. Since IL-25 did not directly induce AAM in vitro and in vivo in mice, IL-25 administration enhanced the expression of IL-4, IL-13, and TGF-beta 1, which are known to promote AAM differentiation, we finally assessed whether such cytokines were involved in the IL-25-driven AAM induction. Blockade of IL-4, IL-13, and TGF-beta 1 with neutralizing antibodies in mice did not inhibit the stimulatory effect of IL-25 on AAM gene expression. Conclusions: The IL-25-mediated anticolitic effect is associated with induction of AAMs, a subset of macrophages with antiinflammatory properties.