Problem: Identification of the types of cells that produce IL-17 and IL-22 in the genital tract can clarify the roles that these cytokines play in responses to pathogens.
Method of study: We isolated and stimulated cells from cervical tissue to identify and characterize cytokine-producing cells.
Results: Upon stimulation of CD3+ CD4+ endocervical cells, 1.6, 3.4, and 1.5% were induced to produce IL-22, IL-17, and both cytokines, respectively. Stimulation of CD3+ CD4+ ectocervical cells resulted in 3.3% IL-22+, 5.5% IL-17(+) and 2.6% IL-22(+) IL17+ cells. CD45+ CD3- cells had relatively high endogenous levels of cytokine expression that did not increase upon stimulation. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) made up 5.7-8% of CD45+ cervical cells and stimulation caused increases in IL-17 and IL-22.
Conclusion: These studies show that the majority of the CD45+ leukocytes that can be induced to produce IL-22 and IL-17 in cervix are CD3+ CD4+, but ILCs are also present and can make both cytokines.
Keywords: Cervix; IL-17; IL-22; ILCs; T-cells.
© 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.