Identification of cells expressing Interleukin-17A and F in the lungs of COPD patients

Eustace, A; Smyth, LJC; Mitchell, L; Williamson, K; Plumb, J; Singh, D

Abstract

Background: Lymphocytes secrete IL-17A and IL-17F which enhance innate immune responses. IL-17 expression has not been studied in COPD small airways. The aim was to quantify IL-17A and IL-17F expression in the peripheral lung tissue of COPD patients compared to controls and to identify inflammatory cells that express IL-17.

Methods: IL-17 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry in peripheral lung tissue (18 COPD patients, 10 smokers and 10 non-smokers with normal lung function) and induced sputum (12 COPD patients and 6 non-smokers). Alveolar macrophages from 8 COPD patients, 8 smokers and 7 non-smokers were used for RT-PCR.

Results: The numbers of inflammatory cells expressing IL-17A in the small airway subepithelium was higher in COPD patients compared to smokers (p=0.01) and non-smokers (p=0.02). IL-17A expression was higher than IL-17F in this region. IL-17A was expressed by lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages (confirmed by RT-PCR). The expression of IL-17F was greater than IL-17A in epithelial cells and lymphoid follicles, although there were no differences between subject groups

Conclusion: Our findings indicate different roles for IL-17A and IL-17F in the pathogenesis of COPD; IL-17A plays a role in small airway subepithelial inflammation, while IL-17F appears to play a more prominent role within lymphoid follicles.

Citation

Eustace, A., Smyth, L., Mitchell, L., Williamson, K., Plumb, J., & Singh, D. (2010). Identification of cells expressing Interleukin-17A and F in the lungs of COPD patients. Chest, https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.10-0779

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: Dec 22, 2010
• Journal: Chest
• Print ISSN: 0012-3692
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.10-0779
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1378/chest.10-0779