Integrin CD11b attenuates colitis by strengthening Src-Akt pathway to polarize anti-inflammatory IL-10 expression

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) plays a central role in regulation of intestinal mucosal homeostasis and prevention of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We previously reported that CD11b(hi) regulatory dendritic cells (DCs) can produce more IL-10, and CD11b can negatively regulate Toll-like receptors (TLRs)-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages. However whether CD11b and its signaling can control autoimmunity via IL-10 production remains unclear. Here we found that CD11b deficient (Itgam(-/-)) mice were more susceptible to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, with more tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) while less IL-10 production. CD11b inhibited nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) while promoted activator protein 1 (AP-1) activation through activating sarcoma oncogene (Src), leading to decreased TNF-α while increased IL-10 production. Src interacted with and promoted c-casitas B lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene (c-Cbl)-mediated degradation of the inhibitory subunit p85 of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Importantly, Src inhibitor dasatinib aggravated DSS-induced colitis by decreasing IL-10 while increasing TNF-α in vivo. Therefore, CD11b promotes IL-10 production by activating Src-Akt signal pathway. An axis of CD11b-Src pathway is important in balancing homeostasis of TLR-induced pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.