Objective: To investigate the dynamic expressions of IL-17 and IL-23 in mice with Schistosoma japonicum infection.
Method: A murine model of the infection of S. japonicum was established. The suspension of spleen cells incubated with ConA was collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks post-infection. Sandwich ELISA and RT-PCR were used to measure the expressions of IL-17A and IL-23p19 on protein and mRNA level.
Results: The dynamic changes of IL-17A and IL-23p19 showed a positive correlation. The level of IL-17A increased and reached the peak at 1 week after the infection, reduced at 4 weeks after the infection, and was even lower at 8 weeks post-infection. The level of IL-17 mRNA increased at 1 week post-infection, and then decreased gradually at 2 weeks post-infection. Being consistent with the dynamic expression of IL-17A, the IL-23p19 expression increased at 1 week post-infection, went up to the peak at 2 weeks post-infection, and gradually reduced into the normal level at 4 weeks. However, the expression of IL-23p19 mRNA fluctuated in the normal range, increased at 4 weeks post-infection, and reached the peak at 6 weeks post-infection.
Conclusions: IL-17 and IL-23 are of co-expression in the mice after schistosome infection. There is a significant increase in the early stage of the infection. IL-17 and IL-23 may play important roles during the immune process in the very early stage of Schistosoma infection.