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Th17 Inflammation Model of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in Immunodeficient Mice
08:02

Th17 Inflammation Model of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in Immunodeficient Mice

Published on: February 18, 2015

Differential effects of IL-17 pathway in disseminated candidiasis and zymosan-induced multiple organ failure

Frank L van de Veerdonk1, Bart Jan Kullberg, Ineke C Verschueren

  • 1Department of Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Shock (Augusta, Ga.)
|February 18, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The interleukin-17 (IL-17) pathway is protective against Candida albicans fungal infections, enhancing neutrophil recruitment. However, IL-17 does not significantly contribute to the inflammatory pathology causing organ failure in fungal sepsis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The role of the interleukin-17 (IL-17) pathway in antifungal immunity is debated, with conflicting reports on its protective or detrimental effects.
  • Studies suggest IL-17 is vital for defense against Candida infections, but others implicate it in inflammatory pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distinct roles of the IL-17 pathway in fungal sepsis models.
  • To differentiate IL-17's function in fungal growth-driven mortality versus inflammation-driven organ failure.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized IL-17 receptor-deficient (IL-17RA) mice in two fungal sepsis models: disseminated Candida albicans infection and zymosan-induced multiple organ failure.
  • Assessed mortality rates, fungal loads, neutrophil recruitment, and organ damage.

Main Results:

  • IL-17RA mice exhibited increased mortality and kidney fungal burden in disseminated candidiasis, linked to reduced neutrophil infiltration.
  • IL-17RA mice showed no protection against zymosan-induced multiple organ failure, indicating IL-17's limited role in inflammation-driven pathology.

Conclusions:

  • The IL-17 pathway plays a protective role in antifungal host defense, particularly against Candida infections.
  • IL-17 is not a major driver of inflammatory pathology leading to organ failure in fungal sepsis.

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