IL-23 prevents IL-13-dependent tissue repair associated with Ly6C^lo monocytes in Entamoeba histolytica-induced liver damage

Background & Aims The IL-23/IL-17 axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and the pathological consequences of infection. We previously showed that immunopathologic mechanisms mediated by inflammatory monocytes underlie the severe focal liver damage induced by the protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica. Here, we analyze the contribution of the IL-23/IL-17 axis to the induction and subsequent recovery from parasite-induced liver damage. Methods IL-23p19^-/-, IL-17A/F^-/-, CCR2^-/-, and wild-type (WT) mice were intra-hepatically infected with E. histolytica trophozoites and disease onset and recovery were analyzed by magnetic resonance imaging. Liver-specific gene and protein expression during infection was examined by qPCR, microarray, FACS analysis and immunohistochemistry. Immuno-depletion and substitution experiments were performed in IL-23p19^-/- and WT mice to investigate the role of IL-13 in disease outcome. Results Liver damage in infected IL-23p19^-/-, IL-17A/F^-/-, and CCR2^-/- mice was strongly attenuated compared with that in WT mice. IL-23p19^-/- mice showed reduced accumulation of IL-17 and CCL2 mRNA and proteins. Increased numbers of IL-13-producing CD11b⁺Ly6C^lo monocytes were associated with disease attenuation in IL-23p19^-/- mice. Immuno-depletion of IL-13 in IL-23p19^-/- mice reversed this attenuation and treatment of infected WT mice with an IL-13/anti-IL-13-mAb complex supported liver recovery. Conclusions The IL-23/IL-17 axis plays a critical role in the immunopathology of hepatic amebiasis. IL-13 secreted by CD11b⁺Ly6C^lo monocytes may be associated with recovery from liver damage. An IL-13/anti-IL13-mAb complex mimics this function, suggesting a novel therapeutic option to support tissue healing after liver damage.