Th17 Cells and IL-17 in Protective Immunity to Vaginal Candidiasis

Donatella Pietrella (1) , Anna Rachini (1) , Mark Pines (2) , Neelam Pandey (1) , Paolo Mosci (3) , Francesco Bistoni (1) , Christophe D'Enfert (4) , Anna Vecchiarelli (1)

1 Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences
2 Volcani Center
3 UNIPG - Università degli Studi di Perugia = University of Perugia
4 BPF - Biologie et Pathogénicité fongiques

BACKGROUND: Th17 cells play a major role in coordinating the host defence in oropharyngeal candidiasis. In this study we investigated the involvement of the Th17 response in an animal model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). METHODS: To monitor the course of infection we exploited a new in vivo imaging technique. RESULTS: i) The progression of VVC leads to a strong influx of neutrophils in the vagina soon after the challenge which persisted despite the resolution of infection; ii) IL-17, produced by vaginal cells, particularly CD4 T cells, was detected in the vaginal wash during the infection, reaching a maximum 14 days after the challenge; iii) The amount and kinetics of IL-23 in vaginal fluids were comparable to those in vaginal cells; iv) The inhibition of Th17 differentiation led to significant inhibition of IL-17 production with consequent exacerbation of infection; v) An increased production of βdefensin 2 was manifested in cells of infected mice. This production was strongly reduced when Th17 differentiation was inhibited and was increased by rIL-17 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results imply that IL-17 and Th17, along with innate antimicrobial factors, have a role in the immune response to vaginal candidiasis.

Mots clés: Candida albicans; Neutrophils; Mouse models; Vagina; Candidiasis; Lymph nodes; Epithelial cells; Defensins

Domaines: Mycologie

Donatella Pietrella, Anna Rachini, Mark Pines, Neelam Pandey, Paolo Mosci, et al.. Th17 Cells and IL-17 in Protective Immunity to Vaginal Candidiasis. PLoS ONE, 2011, 6 (7), pp.e22770. ⟨10.1371/journal.pone.0022770⟩. ⟨pasteur-01523876⟩