CD4+ and γδ T Cells are the main Producers of IL-22 and IL-17A in Lymphocytes from Mycobacterium bovis-infected Cattle

Sci Rep. 2016 Jul 18:6:29990. doi: 10.1038/srep29990.

Abstract

Gene transcription studies have identified dual roles for the cytokines IL-17A and IL-22 in bovine tuberculosis, where they show potential as both predictors of vaccine success and correlates of infection. To allow for a detailed investigation of the cell populations responsible for production of these cytokines, we have utilised a novel bovine IL-22 specific recombinant antibody for flow cytometry. Bovine tuberculin (PPDB) induced greater IL-22 and IL-17A production in Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis)-infected cattle compared to non-infected controls, while PWM-induced cytokine levels were similar between the two groups. In M. bovis-infected animals, PPDB specific IL-22 and IL-17A responses were observed in both CD4+ T cell and γδ T cell populations. Although both cytokines were detected in both cell types, IL-22/IL-17A double producers were rare and confined mainly to the γδ T cell population. These results support previous gene transcription studies and extend the observation of increased IL-22 and IL-17A responses in M. bovis-infected animals to the level of protein production. We were also able to characterise the cell populations responsible for these disease-related cytokine responses. The data generated can be used to further our understanding of the immunopathology of bovine tuberculosis and to produce more sensitive and specific immune-diagnostic reagents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cattle
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-22
  • Interleukins / metabolism*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Mycobacterium bovis / physiology*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / immunology*
  • Tuberculosis, Bovine / immunology*
  • Tuberculosis, Bovine / microbiology*

Substances

  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukins
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta