Abstract
Background: Pathogens can influence allergic respiratory diseases. We previously found that multiple infections with Chlamydophila pneumoniae induce the production of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and IL-17E, which have roles in the pathogenesis of asthma. The present work was designed to investigate our hypothesis that infections with another pathogen can induce the production of IL-17A and IL-17E. Materials and Methods: At an internal of 28 days, mice were infected twice with Chlamydia muridarum; the kinetics of IL-17A and IL-17E expression was subsequently determined at the mRNA and protein levels. The amounts of IL-17 cytokines produced by the stimulated spleen cells were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The presence of IL-17E in the lungs was revealed by an indirect immunofluorescence test. Results: The infection with C. muridarum induced the production of IL-17A at the early stages of infection. The quantity of IL-17E was highest on days 28 and 56 after the first infection (28 days after the second infection). In the later stages of infection, IL-17E was produced by epithelial cells. The re-stimulated peripheral spleen cells produced IL-17A. Conclusion: Multiple infection with C. muridarum induces the production of a high amount of IL-17E, which plays an important part in the pathogenesis of allergic pulmonary diseases.
- Received July 26, 2013.
- Revision received October 11, 2013.
- Accepted October 14, 2013.
- Copyright © 2013 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved