Adverse functions of IL-17A in experimental sepsis

IL-17A is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by a variety of cells. In the current study, we examined the role of IL-17A in sepsis induced in mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). IL-17A levels, which rose time-dependently in plasma after CLP, were not affected in the absence of alpha beta T cells or neutrophils. In sharp contrast, gamma delta T cell-knockout or gamma delta T cell-depleted mice displayed baseline IL-17A plasma levels after CLP. Neutralization of IL-17A by two different antibodies improved sepsis (survival from similar to 10% to nearly 60%). Unexpectedly, antibody treatment was protective, even when administration of anti-IL-17A was delayed for up to 12 h after CLP. These protective effects of IL-17A blockade were associated with substantially reduced levels of bacteremia together with significant reductions of systemic proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in plasma. In vitro incubation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the copresence of IL-17A substantially increased the production of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 by these cells. These data suggest that, during experimental sepsis, gamma delta T cell-derived IL-17A promotes high levels of proinflammatory mediators and bacteremia, resulting in enhanced lethality. IL-17A may be a potential therapeutic target in sepsis.