Combinatorial actions of IL-22 and IL-17 drive optimal immunity to oral candidiasis through SPRRs

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012302
• Publication Date: 2024-07-01T17:21:36Z
• Authors: Felix E. Y. Aggor; Martinna Bertolini; Bianca M. Coleman; Tiffany C. Taylor; Nicole O. Ponde; Sarah L. Gaffen
• Keywords: Mice, Knockout; Receptors, Interleukin-17; QH301-705.5; Interleukins; Interleukin-17; Receptors, Interleukin; RC581-607; Interleukin-22; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice; Short Reports; Candidiasis, Oral; Candida albicans; Animals; Immunologic diseases. Allergy; Biology (General)

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is the most common human fungal infection, arising typically from T cell immune impairments. IL-17 and IL-22 contribute individually to OPC responses, but here we demonstrate that combined actions of both cytokines are essential for resistance OPC. Mice lacking IL-17RA IL-22RA1 exhibited high loads in esophagus- intestinal tract, severe weight loss, symptoms colitis. Ultimately, mice succumbed infection. Dual loss IL-22RA impaired expression small proline rich proteins (SPRRs), a class antimicrobial effectors not previously linked immunity. Sprr2a1 direct candidacidal activity vitro, Sprr1-3a -/- were susceptible Thus, cooperative Type 17 mediate oral mucosal anti- Candida defenses reveal role SPRRs.