IL-22–producing neutrophils contribute to antimicrobial defense and restitution of colonic epithelial integrity during colitis

IL-22 plays an important role in mucosal epithelial cell homeostasis. Using a dextran sodium sulfate-induced mouse model of acute colitis, we observed an IL-23-dependent up-regulation of IL-22 in the middle and distal colon at the onset of epithelial cell damage. This heightened IL-22 correlated with an influx of innate immune cells, suggesting an important role in colonic epithelial protection. Freshly isolated colon-infiltrating neutrophils produced IL-22 contingent upon IL-23 signaling, and IL-22 production was augmented by TNF-α. Importantly, the depletion of neutrophils resulted in diminished IL-22 levels in the colon, and the transfer of IL-22-competent neutrophils to Il22a-deficient mice protected the colonic epithelium from dextran sodium sulfate-induced damage. In addition, IL-22-producing neutrophils targeted colonic epithelial cells to up-regulate the antimicrobial peptides, RegIIIβ and S100A8. This study establishes a role for neutrophils in providing IL-22-dependent mucosal epithelial support that contributes to the resolution of colitis.