NKT cells play a limited role in the neutrophilic inflammatory responses and host defense to pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

CD1d-restricted NKT cells are reported to play a critical role in the host defense to pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, the contribution of a major subset expressing a Vα14-Jα18 gene segment remains unclear. In the present study, we re-evaluated the role of NKT cells in the neutrophilic inflammatory responses and host defense to this infection using mice genetically lacking Jα18 or CD1d (Jα18KO or CD1dKO mice). These mice cleared the bacteria in lungs at a comparable level to wild-type (WT) mice. There was no significant difference in the local neutrophilic responses, as shown by neutrophil counts and synthesis of MIP-2 and TNF-α, in either KO mice from those in WT mice. Administration of α-galactosylceramide, a specific activator of Vα14+ NKT cells, failed to promote the bacterial clearance and neutrophilic responses, although the same treatment increased the synthesis of IFN-γ, suggesting the involvement of this cytokine downstream of NKT cells. In agreement against this notion, these responses were not further enhanced by administration of recombinant IFN-γ in the infected Jα18KO mice. Our data indicate that NKT cells play a limited role in the development of neutrophilic inflammatory responses and host defense to pulmonary infection with P. aeruginosa.