Interleukin-17/interleukin-17 receptor-mediated signaling is important for generation of an optimal polymorphonuclear response against Toxoplasma gondii infection

We investigated the role of interieukin-17 (IL-17)/IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) -mediated signaling in the protective immunity against Toxoplasma gondii. IL-17R(-/-) mice developed a normal adaptive immunity against the parasite. However, increased mortality in the knockout animals can be attributed to a defect in the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to infected sites during early infection.