Commensal-dependent expression of IL-25 regulates the IL-23-IL-17 axis in the intestine

Zaph C, Du Y, Saenz SA, Nair MG, Perrigoue JG, Taylor BC, Troy AE, Kobuley DE, Kastelein RA, Cua DJ, Yu Y, Artis D. J Exp Med. 2008 Sep 29;205(10):2191-8. Epub 2008 Sep 1.

Alterations in the composition of intestinal commensal bacteria are associated with enhanced susceptibility to multiple inflammatory diseases, including those conditions associated with interleukin (IL)-17-producing CD4(+) T helper (Th17) cells. However, the relationship between commensal bacteria and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines remains unclear. Using germ-free mice, we show that the frequency of Th17 cells in the large intestine is significantly elevated in the absence of commensal bacteria. Commensal-dependent expression of the IL-17 family member IL-25 (IL-17E) by intestinal epithelial cells limits the expansion of Th17 cells in the intestine by inhibiting expression of macrophage-derived IL-23. We propose that acquisition of, or alterations in, commensal bacteria influences intestinal immune homeostasis via direct regulation of the IL-25-IL-23-IL-17 axis.