Close homolog of L1-deficient ameliorates inflammatory bowel disease by regulating the balance of Th17/Treg

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of close homolog of L1 (CHL1) on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and the correlation with the balance of Th17/Treg.

Methods: Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced IBD mice model was established. CHL1 knockout (KO) mice and CHL1 wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to DSS. CHL1 expression was detected using qRT-PCR. Weight was recorded daily, and disease activity index (DAI) score was assessed. The colon length and histological changes were measured. The number of neutrophils, macrophages and T cells was observed by immunohistochemistry. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and the proportion of Th17/Treg cells were detected by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry. The expression of RORγt, STAT3 and Foxp3 was detected by using immunohistochemistry and Western blot.

Results: CHL1 expression was upregulated in DSS-induced IBD mice. DSS-CHLl-KO mice exhibited less weight loss than the DSS-CHLl-WT mice. The DAI score and histological score were decreased in DSS-CHLl-KO mice compared with DSS-CHLl-WT mice, while colon length was increased. Number of neutrophils, macrophages and T cells, and expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-21 and IL-23 were decreased in DSS-CHLl-KO mice, while IL-10 expression was increased. Moreover, CHL1-deficient inhibited Th17 cells differentiation and promoted Treg cells differentiation in IBD mice. CHL1-deficient also inhibited the expression of RORγt and STAT3, and promoted the expression of Foxp3 in IBD mice.

Conclusion: CHL1-deficient reduces the inflammatory response by regulating the balance of Th17/Treg in mice with IBD. CHL1 is expected to be a new target for the treatment of IBD.

Keywords: Close homolog of L1; Inflammatory bowel disease; Inflammatory cytokines; Th17/Treg.