Rehydration rescues Il22-/- mice from lethal Citrobacter rodentium infection
Abstract
Interleukin-22
(IL-22)
is
considered
indispensable
for
host
defence
against
Citrobacter
rodentium
(CR),
with
100%
mortality
of
Il22 −/−
mice
post
infection.
While
IL-22
promotes
epithelial
barrier
integrity
and
antimicrobial
peptide
production,
the
precise
mechanism
underlying
lethality
remains
unclear.
Here,
we
show
that
succumb
to
CR
infection
due
dehydration
rather
than
uncontrolled
bacterial
burden
or
inability
regenerate
intestinal
epithelium.
Proteomic
analysis
at
9
days
(dpi)
revealed
significant
downregulation
ion
transporters
(Slc26a3,
Aqp8,
Ca2,
Ca4,
Slc5a8,
Slc15a1)
in
colonic
cells,
suggesting
an
association
between
deficiency
impaired
fluid-electrolyte
balance.
Fluid
therapy
(FT),
initiated
5
dpi
lasted
2
weeks,
fully
rescued
mice,
restoring
survival
without
affecting
burden,
immune
responses,
integrity.
Recovered
exhibited
regeneration
protection
reinfection,
demonstrating
IL-22-independent
pathways
support
long-term
mucosal
recovery.
These
findings
overturn
long-standing
paradigm
from
infection,
revealing
primary
cause
mortality.
Importantly,
this
study
underscores
necessity
incorporating
supportive
therapies
into
preclinical
models
better
reflect
physiological
conditions
enhance
translational
relevance.

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: March 10, 2025
Language: Английский