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IL-22 Protects against Tissue Damage during Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Ciara Gimblet1, Michael A Loesche2, Lucas Carvalho3
1Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States of America.
Plos One
|August 19, 2015
Summary
Interleukin-22 (IL-22) limits skin damage in cutaneous leishmaniasis by promoting wound healing. Mice lacking IL-22 experienced worse disease and tissue loss, highlighting its protective role.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis involves skin lesions requiring a balanced immune response.
- While parasite control mechanisms are known, immune regulation and pathology factors are less understood.
- Interleukin-22 (IL-22) has a dual role in wound healing and pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IL-22 in leishmania infection.
- To understand IL-22's function in regulating immunopathology during cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model of leishmania infection.
- Compared disease severity and pathology in wild-type and IL-22 knockout (Il22-/-) mice.
- Assessed parasite burden and keratinocyte wound healing phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Il22-/- mice exhibited more severe disease and significant pathology at the infection site.
- Increased inflammation in Il22-/- mice was not linked to higher parasite load.
- Loss of a keratinocyte wound healing phenotype correlated with increased pathology in Il22-/- mice.
Conclusions:
- IL-22 plays a crucial, previously unrecognized role in limiting immunopathology during cutaneous leishmaniasis.
- IL-22 promotes tissue repair and resolution of skin lesions.
- Maintaining IL-22 function is important for preventing severe disease and permanent tissue damage in leishmaniasis.
