Publication:

Raised interleukin-17 is immuno-localised to neutrophils in cystic fibrosis lung disease (2010)

Author(s): Brodlie M, McKean MC, Johnson GE, Anderson AE, Hilkens CM, Fisher AJ, Corris PA, Lordan JL, Ward C

    Abstract: Abstract Interleukin-17 is pivotal in orchestrating the activity of neutrophils. Neutrophilic inflammation is the dominant pathology in cystic fibrosis lung disease. We investigated interleukin-17 protein expression in the lower airway in cystic fibrosis, its cellular immuno-localisation and the effects of interleukin-17 on cystic fibrosis primary bronchial epithelial cells. Immunohistochemistry was performed on explanted cystic fibrosis lungs and compared to the non-suppurative condition pulmonary hypertension. Airway lavages and epithelial cultures were generated from explanted cystic fibrosis lungs. Immunoreactivity for interleukin-17 was significantly increased in the lower airway epithelium in cystic fibrosis (median 14.1%) compared to pulmonary hypertension (2.95%, P=0.0001). The number of cells staining positive for interleukin-17 in the lower airway mucosa was also increased (64 compared to 9/mm basement membrane, P=0.0005) and included both neutrophils in addition to mononuclear cells. Interleukin-17 was detectable in airway lavages from explanted cystic fibrosis lungs. Treatment of epithelial cultures with interleukin-17 increased production of interleukin-8, interleukin-6 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor. In conclusion, immunoreactive interleukin-17 is raised in the lower airway of people with cystic fibrosis and localises to both neutrophils and mononuclear cells. Interleukin-17 increases production of pro-neutrophilic mediators by cystic fibrosis epithelial cells, suggesting potential for a positive feedback element in airway inflammation.

      • Date: 25-11-2010
      • Journal: European Respiratory Journal
      • Volume: 37
      • Issue: 6
      • Pages: 1378-1385
      • Publisher: European Respiratory Society
      • Publication type: Article
      • Bibliographic status: Published
      Staff

      Dr Catharien Hilkens
      Reader in Immunotherapy

      Dr Christopher Ward
      Senior Lecturer