Th17 cell-derived IL-17 is dispensable for B cell antibody production

IL-17, which is preferentially produced by Th17 cells, is important for host defense against pathogens and is also involved in the development of autoimmune and allergic disorders. Antibody (Ab) production was shown to be impaired in IL-17-deficient mice, suggesting that IL-17 may promote B cell activation and direct secretion of Ab. However, the precise role of IL-17 in Ab production by B cells remains unclear. In the present study, we found constitutive expression of IL-17R in murine splenic B cells. Nevertheless, IL-17, IL-17F or IL-25 alone could not induce Ab production by B cells even in the presence of agonistic anti-CD40 Ab. IL-17 also could not affect IFN-γ-, IL-4- or TGF-β1-mediated Ig class-switching. Furthermore, in co-cultures of B cells and IL-17−/− CD4+ T cells or IL-17−/− Th17 cells, IL-17 deficiency did not influence Ab production by B cells in vitro, suggesting that Th17 cell-derived IL-17 was not required for B cell Ab production through T cell–B cell interaction in vitro. Thus, in vivo, IL-17 may be indirectly involved in Ab production by enhancing production of B cell activator(s) by other immune cells.

► IL-17-deficiency in mice results in the reduced Ig production in vivo.
► The role of IL-17 in Ig production by B cells is unclear.
► IL-17 could not induce Ig production by B cells directly.
► Th17 cells were also dispensable for Ig production via T–B cell contact.
► Activation of the other cells by IL-17 is required for optimal B cell-Ig production.