Neutralization of Interleukin-17 Attenuates Cholestatic Liver Fibrosis in Mice

Anti-inflammation strategy is one of the proposed therapeutic approaches to hepatic fibrosis. IL-17 is critical in inflammation, but the role of IL-17 in liver fibrosis has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigate the role of IL-17 on bile duct ligation-induced liver injury and fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice. Animals were sacrificed at designated times, and serum and liver tissues were collected for analysis of liver function and serum IL-6, IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) levels. IL-17 blockade with anti-IL-17A mAb significantly improved liver function and decreased hepatocellular necrosis, pro-inflammatory cytokines, neutrophils and macrophages influx. Furthermore, CD3 + and CD8 + lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages were found to express IL-17, and neutrophils are the principal IL-17-producing cells after BDL-induced liver injury. These data indicated that IL-17 signal contributes to the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver injury and blocked of IL-17 could potentially benefit patients with cholestatic liver disease.