Interleukin-17F signaling requires ubiquitination of interleukin-17 receptor via TRAF6

Interleukin-17F (IL-17F), together with interleukin-17A (IL-17 or IL-17A), is a marker of T(H)17 cells, a new lineage of effector CD4(+) T cells to contribute to pathogenesis of a growing list of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). IL-17F, similar to IL-17A, was reported to employ interleukin-17 receptor (IL-17R or IL-17RA) for signaling but the downstream cascades remain largely elusive. Here we report that TRAF6 interacts with IL-17R and mediates ubiquitination of the receptor. We observed that IL-17F and IL-17A could induce IL-17R ubiquitination and DN-TRAF6, a dominant-negative mutant, could block IL-17F- but not IL-17A-triggered ubiquitination of IL-17R. Moreover, we showed that the ubiquitination of IL-17R was positively correlated with the downstream signaling, as evaluated by a luciferase reporter driven by a putative native promoter of 24p3, an IL-17 targeted gene. Our results indicate that ubiquitination of IL-17R mediated by TRAF6 plays a critical role in IL-17F signaling. This study, for the first time, reveals a possible molecular mechanism that the initiation of the IL-17F/IL-17R signaling pathway requires the receptor ubiquitination by TRAF6.     

Identification of the IL-17 receptor related molecule IL-17RC as the receptor for IL-17F

The proinflammatory cytokines IL-17A and IL-17F have a high degree of sequence similarity and share many biological properties. Both have been implicated as factors contributing to the progression of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Moreover, reagents that neutralize IL-17A significantly ameliorate disease severity in several mouse models of human disease. IL-17A mediates its effects through interaction with its cognate receptor, the IL-17 receptor (IL-17RA). We report here that the IL-17RA-related molecule, IL-17RC is the receptor for IL-17F. Notably, both IL-17A and IL-17F bind to IL-17RC with high affinity, leading us to suggest that a soluble form of this molecule may serve as an effective therapeutic antagonist of IL-17A and IL-17F. We generated a soluble form of IL-17RC and demonstrate that it effectively blocks binding of both IL-17A and IL-17F, and that it inhibits signaling in response to these cytokines. Collectively, our work indicates that IL-17RC functions as a receptor for both IL-17A and IL-17F and that a soluble version of this protein should be an effective antagonist of IL-17A and IL-17F mediated inflammatory diseases.     

17-Epimerization of 17 alpha-methyl anabolic steroids in humans: metabolism and synthesis of 17 alpha-hydroxy-17 beta-methyl steroids.

The 17-epimers of the anabolic steroids bolasterone (I), 4-chlorodehydromethyltestosterone (II), fluoxymesterone (III), furazabol (IV), metandienone (V), mestanolone (VI), methyltestosterone (VII), methandriol (VIII), oxandrolone (IX), oxymesterone (X), oxymetholone (XI), stanozolol (XII), and the human metabolites 7 alpha,17 alpha-dimethyl-5 beta-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol (XIII) (metabolite of I), 6 beta-hydroxymetandienone (XIV) (metabolite of V), 17 alpha-methyl-5 beta-androst-1-ene-3 alpha,17 beta-diol (XV) (metabolite of V), 3'-hydroxystanozolol (XVI) (metabolite of XII), as well as the reference substances 17 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-methyl-5 beta-androstan-3-one (XVII), 17 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-methyl-5 beta-androst-1-en-3-one (XVIII) (also a metabolite of V), the four isomers 17 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol (XIX) (also a metabolite of VI, VII, and XI), 17 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol (XX), 17 alpha-methyl-5 beta-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol (XXI) (also a metabolite of V, VII, and VIII), 17 alpha-methyl-5 beta-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol (XXII), and 17 beta-hydroxy-7 alpha,17 alpha-dimethyl-5 beta-androstan-3-one (XXIII) were synthesized via a 17 beta-sulfate that spontaneously hydrolyzed in water to several dehydration products, and to the 17 alpha-hydroxy-17 beta-methyl epimer. The 17 beta-sulfate was prepared by reaction of the 17 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-methyl steroid with sulfur trioxide pyridine complex. The 17 beta-methyl epimers are eluted in gas chromatography as trimethylsilyl derivatives from a capillary SE-54 or OV-1 column 70-170 methylen units before the corresponding 17 alpha-methyl epimer. The electron impact mass spectra of the underivatized and trimethylsilylated epimers are in most cases identical and only for I, II, and V was a differentiation between the 17-epimers possible. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra show for the 17 beta-methyl epimer a chemical shift for the C-18 protons (singlet) of about 0.175 ppm (in deuterochloroform) to a lower field. 13C NMR spectra display differences for the 17-epimeric steroids in shielding effects for carbons 12-18 and 20. Excretion studies with I-XII with identification and quantification of 17-epimeric metabolites indicate that the extent of 17-epimerization depends on the A-ring structure and shows a great variation for the different 17 alpha-methyl anabolic steroids.     

Identification, characterization, and nucleotide sequence of the F17-G gene, which determines receptor binding of Escherichia coli F17 fimbriae.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains express fimbriae which mediate binding to intestinal mucosal cells. The F17 fimbriae mediate binding to N-acetylglucosamine-containing receptors present on calf intestinal mucosal cells. These fimbriae consist of F17-A subunit peptides. Analysis of the F17 gene cluster indicated that at least the F17-A, F17-C, F17-D, and F17-G genes are indispensable to obtain adhesive F17 fimbriae (unpublished data). Genetic evidence is presented that the F17-G protein, a minor fimbrial component, is required for the binding of the F17 fimbriae to the intestinal villi. The F17-G gene was cloned and sequenced. An open reading frame of 1,032 bp encoding a polypeptide of 344 amino acids, starting with a signal sequence of 22 residues, was localized. The F17-G mutant strain produced F17 fimbriae which were morphologically identical to the fimbriae purified from strains which contained the intact F17 gene cluster. However, this F17-G mutant could no longer adhere to calf villi. The F17-G locus was shown to act in trans: transformation of the F17-G mutant strain, still expressing the genes F17-A, F17-C, and F17-D, with a vector expressing the F17-G gene restored the binding activity of this mutant strain.     

Induction of group 17 specific antibodies by pneumococcal type 17F and 17A polysaccharide vaccines.

Pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide group 17 contains two distinct serotypes, 17F and 17A. Pneumococcal group 17 is present in the licensed 23 valent polysaccharide vaccines. One such vaccine contains type 17A, while the other vaccine contains type 17F. The purpose of these studies was to determine the extent of cross-protection that could be expected, as both type 17F and 17A cause disease. The antibody responses of one group of adults to a vaccine containing type 17F was compared to that of another group that received a type 17A containing vaccine. By ELISA the 17A vaccine induced more cross-reactive antibodies. Opsonophagocytic antibodies are a good predictor of protection and both vaccines induced antibodies opsonic for both 17F and 17A. We conclude that either 17F or 17A will provide similar protection against group 17 disease.     

Identification of an interleukin 17F/17A heterodimer in activated human CD4+ T cells

IL-17F and IL-17A are members of the IL-17 pro-inflammatory cytokine family. IL-17A has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. IL-17F is a disulfide-linked dimer that contains a cysteine-knot motif. We hypothesized that IL-17F and IL-17A could form a heterodimer due to their sequence homology and overlapping pattern of expression. We evaluated the structure of recombinant IL-17F and IL-17A proteins, as well as that of natural IL-17F and IL-17A derived from activated human CD4+ T cells, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting, and mass spectrometry. We find that both IL-17F and IL-17A can form both homodimeric and heterodimeric proteins when expressed in a recombinant system, and that all forms of the recombinant proteins have in vitro functional activity. Furthermore, we find that in addition to the homodimers of IL-17F and IL-17A, activated human CD4+ T cells also produce the IL-17F/IL-17A heterodimer. These data suggest that the IL-17F/IL-17A heterodimer may contribute to the T cell-mediated immune responses.     

Evolution of the IL17 receptor family in chordates: a new subfamily IL17REL

The human interleukin 17 receptor (IL17R) family plays a critical role in inflammatory responses and contributes to the pathology of many autoimmune diseases. So far, five members, IL17RA to IL17RE, have been identified. Recently, some IL17R genes have been identified in non-mammalian species, such as zebrafish IL17RD; however, there are no reports on the evolutionary history of this complex gene family through comparative phylogenetic approaches. Here, we concentrated on the IL17R evolution in chordates. There are two IL17Rs in the genome of the basal chordate amphioxus: IL17RA and IL17RD. After two rounds of whole genome duplications, these two IL17R genes expanded into five early vertebrate IL17R genes, IL17RA to IL17RE. IL17RA and IL17RD are found in most vertebrates, whereas the other three, IL17RB, ILR17RC, and IL17RE, underwent some loss in vertebrates during evolution. Our sequence and structure analyses reveal functional similarities and distinctions between the different IL17Rs. Based on similarity searches for IL17R-like proteins within chordate sequences, a group of IL17RE-like (IL17REL) proteins were identified from mammalians to lower vertebrates. In silico and expression analyses on the novel IL17RELs showed that this group of receptors is highly conserved across species, indicating that IL17REL may represent a unique subfamily of IL17Rs.     

Cutting edge: interleukin 17 signals through a heteromeric receptor complex

IL-17 is an inflammatory cytokine produced primarily by a unique lineage of CD4 T cells that plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases. IL-17RA is a ubiquitously expressed receptor that is essential for IL-17 biologic activity. Despite widespread receptor expression, the activity of IL-17 is most classically defined by its ability to induce the expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and other mediators by stromal cells. The lack of IL-17 responsiveness in mouse stromal cells genetically deficient in IL-17RA is poorly complemented by human IL-17RA, suggesting the presence of an obligate ancillary component whose activity is species specific. This component is IL-17RC, a distinct member of the IL-17R family. Thus, the biologic activity of IL-17 is dependent on a complex composed of IL-17RA and IL-17RC, suggesting a new paradigm for understanding the interactions between the expanded family of IL-17 ligands and their receptors.     

The Anaphase-Promoting Complex Protein 5 (AnapC5) Associates with A20 and Inhibits IL-17-Mediated Signal Transduction

IL-17 is the founding member of a family of cytokines and receptors with unique structures and signaling properties. IL-17 is the signature cytokine of Th17 cells, a relatively new T cell population that promotes inflammation in settings of infection and autoimmunity. Despite advances in understanding Th17 cells, mechanisms of IL-17-mediated signal transduction are less well defined. IL-17 signaling requires contributions from two receptor subunits, IL-17RA and IL-17RC. Mutants of IL-17RC lacking the cytoplasmic domain are nonfunctional, indicating that IL-17RC provides essential but poorly understood signaling contributions to IL-17-mediated signaling. To better understand the role of IL-17RC in signaling, we performed a yeast 2-hybrid screen to identify novel proteins associated with the IL-17RC cytoplasmic tail. One of the most frequent candidates was the anaphase promoting complex protein 7 (APC7 or AnapC7), which interacted with both IL-17RC and IL-17RA. Knockdown of AnapC7 by siRNA silencing exerted no detectable impact on IL-17 signaling. However, AnapC5, which associates with AnapC7, was also able to bind IL-17RA and IL-17RC. Moreover, AnapC5 silencing enhanced IL-17-induced gene expression, suggesting an inhibitory activity. Strikingly, AnapC5 also associated with A20 (TNFAIP3), a recently-identified negative feedback regulator of IL-17 signal transduction. IL-17 signaling was not impacted by knockdown of Itch or TAXBP1, scaffolding proteins that mediate A20 inhibition in the TNFα and IL-1 signaling pathways. These data suggest a model in which AnapC5, rather than TAX1BP1 and Itch, is a novel adaptor and negative regulator of IL-17 signaling pathways.     

An IL-17F/A heterodimer protein is produced by mouse Th17 cells and induces airway neutrophil recruitment

IL-17A and IL-17F are related homodimeric proteins of the IL-17 family produced by Th17 cells. In this study, we show that mouse Th17 cells also produce an IL-17F/A heterodimeric protein. Whereas naive CD4(+) T cells differentiating toward the Th17 cell lineage expressed IL-17F/A in higher amounts than IL-17A/A homodimer and in lower amounts than IL-17F/F homodimer, differentiated Th17 cells expressed IL-17F/A in higher amounts than either homodimer. In vitro, IL-17F/A was more potent than IL-17F/F and less potent than IL-17A/A in regulating CXCL1 expression. Neutralization of IL-17F/A with an IL-17A-specific Ab, and not with an IL-17F-specific Ab, reduced the majority of IL-17F/A-induced CXCL1 expression. To study these cytokines in vivo, we established a Th17 cell adoptive transfer model characterized by increased neutrophilia in the airways. An IL-17A-specific Ab completely prevented Th17 cell-induced neutrophilia and CXCL5 expression, whereas Abs specific for IL-17F or IL-22, a cytokine also produced by Th17 cells, had no effects. Direct administration of mouse IL-17A/A or IL-17F/A, and not IL-17F/F or IL-22, into the airways significantly increased neutrophil and chemokine expression. Taken together, our data elucidate the regulation of IL-17F/A heterodimer expression by Th17 cells and demonstrate an in vivo function for this cytokine in airway neutrophilia.     

The human IL-17F/IL-17A heterodimeric cytokine signals through the IL-17RA/IL-17RC receptor complex

IL-17A and IL-17F, produced by the Th17 CD4(+) T cell lineage, have been linked to a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. We recently reported that activated human CD4(+) T cells produce not only IL-17A and IL-17F homodimers but also an IL-17F/IL-17A heterodimeric cytokine. All three cytokines can induce chemokine secretion from bronchial epithelial cells, albeit with different potencies. In this study, we used small interfering RNA and Abs to IL-17RA and IL-17RC to demonstrate that heterodimeric IL-17F/IL-17A cytokine activity is dependent on the IL-17RA/IL-17RC receptor complex. Interestingly, surface plasmon resonance studies indicate that the three cytokines bind to IL-17RC with comparable affinities, whereas they bind to IL-17RA with different affinities. Thus, we evaluated the effect of the soluble receptors on cytokine activity and we find that soluble receptors exhibit preferential cytokine blockade. IL-17A activity is inhibited by IL-17RA, IL-17F is inhibited by IL-17RC, and a combination of soluble IL-17RA/IL-17RC receptors is required for inhibition of the IL-17F/IL-17A activity. Altogether, these results indicate that human IL-17F/IL-17A cytokine can bind and signal through the same receptor complex as human IL-17F and IL-17A. However, the distinct affinities of the receptor components for IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-17F/IL-17A heterodimer can be exploited to differentially affect the activity of these cytokines.     

Genomics of fish IL-17 ligand and receptors: a review

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a cytokine family composed of six ligands (A–F). Especially, the IL-17A and IL-17F are best characterized cytokines of IL-17 family cytokine. These are produced by Th17 cells and induce the expression of many mediators of inflammation properties. In addition, the five member of IL-17 receptor family (RA-RE) have been identified in mammals. Although the research on fish IL-17 is a little to date, this review discusses some of the recent advances in research on IL-17 ligand and receptor genes in fish. IL-17 family member was chosen from the fish genome database, and its structure and phylogeny is analyzed in detail. Moreover, invertebrate IL-17 genes are also discussed, and the isolation and current status of fish IL-17 receptor genes are summarized. Comparative genomic analysis of the IL-17 family among mammals, teleost and invertebrates provided new insights. Novel IL-17 ligand (IL-17N) was identified from teleost, moreover it was suggested that IL-17N may be a teleost specific ligand by synteny and phylogenetic analysis. On the other hand, IL-17 receptors are well conserved between mammal and teleost, the five member of IL-17 receptor family: IL-17RA-RE were found on the teleost genome. In addition, the IL-17RA gene was duplicated in tandem on the stickleback and medaka genome. Knowledge about the IL-17 ligand/receptor in fish is very limited. Therefore this review will hopefully encourage future studies of IL-17 in fish.     

Metabolism of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone in the rabbit: C-6 and C-16 hydroxylated metabolites

17 alpha-Methyltestosterone and the reduced metabolites, 17 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol, 17 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 17 beta-diol and 17 alpha-methyl-5 beta-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol, together with three hydroxylated metabolites, 17 alpha-methyl-5 beta-androstane-3 alpha, 16 alpha, 17 beta-triol, 17 alpha-methyl-5 beta-androstane-3 alpha, 16 beta, 17 beta-triol and a new metabolite, 17 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 6 alpha, 17 beta-triol, were isolated and identified in the urine of rabbits dosed with 17 alpha-methyltestosterone. No hydroxylated 5 alpha-metabolite of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone has been identified previously. No of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone has been identified previously. No evidence for epimerization at the C-17 position was observed.     

Linkage analysis of neurofibromatosis type I, using chromosome 17 DNA markers.

The gene for von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has recently been mapped to the pericentromeric region of human chromosome 17. To further localize the NF1 gene, linkage analysis using chromosome 17 DNA markers was performed on 11 multigeneration families with 175 individuals, 57 of whom were affected. The markers used were D17Z1 (p17H8), D17S58 (EW301), D17S54 (EW203), D17S57 (EW206), D17S73 (EW207), CRI-L946, HOX-2, and growth hormone. Tight linkage was found between NF1 and D17Z1, D17S58, and D17S57 with a recombination fraction of zero. One recombinant was detected between NF1 and D17S73, showing linkage with a 10% recombination fraction. No linkage was detected between NF1 and CRI-L946 or between HOX-2 and growth hormone. Our data are consistent with the proposed gene order pter D17S58-D17Z1-NF1-D17S57-D17S73 qter.     

IL-17/Th17 targeting: on the road to prevent chronic destructive arthritis?

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) contributes to the pathogenesis of arthritis. Data from experimental arthritis indicate IL-17 receptor signaling as a critical pathway in turning an acute synovitis into a chronic destructive arthritis. The identification of six IL-17 family members (IL-17A-F) may extend the role of this novel cytokine family in the pathogenesis of chronic destructive joint inflammation. Whether the successful anti-IL-17A cytokine therapy in murine arthritis can be effectively translated to human arthritis need to be tested in clinical trials in humans. Interestingly, IL-17A and IL-17F are secreted by the novel T helper subset named Th17. This novel pathogenic T cell population induces autoimmune inflammation in mice and is far more efficient at inducing Th1-mediated autoimmune inflammation in mice than classical Th1 cells (IFN-gamma). In addition to IL-17A and IL-17F, Th17 cells are characterized by expression of IL-6, TNF, GM-CSF, IL-21, IL-22 and IL-26. Th17 cells have been established as a separate lineage of T helper cells in mice distinct from conventional Th1 and Th2 cells. Whether this also applies to human Th17 and whether RA is a Th1 or a Th17 mediated disease is still not clear. This review summarizes the findings about the role of IL-17 in arthritis and discusses the impact of the discovery of the novel Th17 cells for arthritis. Further studies are needed to unravel the role of Th17 cells and the interplay of IL-17 and other Th17 cytokines in the pathogenesis of arthritis and whether regulating Th17 cell activity will have additional value compared to neutralizing IL-17A activity alone. This might help to reach the ultimate goal not only to treat RA patients but to prevent the development of this crippling disease.     

Development and validation of a rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy assay for determination of 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin and 17-(amino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin in human plasma

A sensitive method was developed and validated for the measurement of 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17AAG) and its active metabolite 17-amino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17AG) in human plasma using 17-(dimethylaminoethylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17DMAG) as an internal standard. After the addition of internal standard, 200 microL of plasma was extracted using ice cold acetonitrile followed by analysis on a Thermo Finnigan triple-quadruple mass spectrometer coupled to an Agilent 1100 HPLC system. Chromatography was carried out on a 50 mm x 2.1 mm Agilent Zorbax SB-phenyl 5 microm column coupled to a 3mm Varian metaguard diphenyl pre-column using glacial acetic acid 0.1% and a gradient of acetonitrile and water at a flow rate of 500 microL/min. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and detection of 17AAG, 17AG and 17DMAG were accomplished using selected reaction monitoring of m/z 584.3>541.3, 544.2>501.2, and 615.3>572.3, respectively in negative ion mode. Retention times for 17AAG, 17AG, and 17DMAG were 4.1, 3.5, and 2.9 min, respectively, with a total run time of 7 min. The assay was linear over the range 0.5-3000 ng/mL for 17AAG and 17AG. Replicate sample analysis indicated within- and between-run accuracy and precision within 15%. The recovery of 17AAG and 17AG from 200 microL of plasma containing 1, 25, 300, and 2500 ng/mL was 93% or greater. This high-performance liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectroscopy (HPLC/MS/MS) method is superior to previous methods. It is the first analytical method reported to date for the quantitation of both 17AAG and its metabolite 17AG and can reliably quantitate concentrations of both compounds as low as 0.5 ng/mL.     

Forced expression of murine IL-17E induces growth retardation, jaundice, a Th2-biased response, and multiorgan inflammation in mice.

IL-17 is a proinflammatory cytokine, and its in vivo expression induces neutrophilia in mice. IL-17E is a recently described member of an emerging family of IL-17-related cytokines. IL-17E has been shown to bind IL-17Rh1, a protein distantly related to the IL-17R, suggesting that IL-17E probably possesses unique biological functions. In this study, we have identified the murine ortholog of IL-17E and developed transgenic mice to characterize its actions in vivo. Biological consequences of overexpression of murine (m)IL-17E, both unique to IL-17E and similar to IL-17, were revealed. Exposure to mIL-17E resulted in a Th2-biased response, characterized by eosinophilia, increased serum IgE and IgG1, and a Th2 cytokine profile including elevated serum levels of IL-13 and IL-5 and elevated gene expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 was observed in many tissues. Increased gene expression of IFN-gamma in several tissues and elevated serum TNF-alpha were also noted. In addition, IL-17E induces G-CSF production in vitro and mIL-17E-transgenic mice had increased serum G-CSF and exhibit neutrophilia, a property shared by IL-17. Moreover, exposure to mIL-17E elicited pathological changes in multiple tissues, particularly liver, heart, and lungs, characterized by mixed inflammatory cell infiltration, epithelial hyperplasia, and hypertrophy. Taken together, these findings suggest that IL-17E is a unique pleiotropic cytokine and may be an important mediator of inflammatory and immune responses.     

Identification of functional roles for both IL-17RB and IL-17RA in mediating IL-25-induced activities

IL-25 (IL-17E) is a unique IL-17 family ligand that promotes Th2-skewed inflammatory responses. Intranasal administration of IL-25 into naive mice induces pulmonary inflammation similar to that seen in patients with allergic asthma, including increases in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid eosinophils, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid IL-5 and IL-13 concentrations, goblet cell hyperplasia, and increased airway hyperresponsiveness. IL-25 has been reported to bind and signal through IL-17RB (IL-17BR, IL-17Rh1). It has been demonstrated recently that IL-17A signals through a heteromeric receptor composed of IL-17RA and IL-17RC. We sought to determine whether other IL-17 family ligands also utilize heteromeric receptor complexes. The required receptor subunits for IL-25 biological activities were investigated in vitro and in vivo using a combination of knockout (KO) mice and antagonistic Abs. Unlike wild-type mice, cultured splenocytes from either IL-17RB KO or IL-17RA KO mice did not produce IL-5 or IL-13 in response to IL-25 stimulation, and both IL-17RB KO and IL-17RA KO mice did not respond to intranasal administration of IL-25. Furthermore, treatment with antagonistic mAbs to either IL-17RB or IL-17RA completely blocked IL-25-induced pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in naive BALB/c mice, similar to the effects of an antagonistic Ab to IL-25. Finally, a blocking Ab to human IL-17RA prevented IL-25 activity in a primary human cell-based assay. These data demonstrate for the first time that IL-25-mediated activities require both IL-17RB and IL-17RA and provide another example of an IL-17 family ligand that utilizes a heteromeric receptor complex.     

The leader peptide is essential for the post-translational modification of the DNA-gyrase inhibitor microcin B17

Microcin B17 (MccB17) is a ribosomally encoded DNA-gyrase inhibitor. Ribosomally encoded antibiotics are derived from precursors containing an N-terminal leader, which is removed during maturation, and a C-terminal structural peptide. PreMccB17, the translational product of mcbA , is modified into proMccB17 by the action of three enzymes, McbB, McbC, and McbD. A chromosomally encoded peptidase then converts proMccB17 into MccB17. The role of McbB, McbC, and McbD is to convert glycine, cysteine, and serine residues present in preMccB17 into four thiazole and four oxazole rings. Using a modification-specific antibody rather than antimicrobial activity, we show that the 26-amino-acid N-terminal leader of preMccB17 is essential for the conversion of preMccB17 into proMccB17. Neither a preMccB17 peptide lacking the leader nor a preMccB17–β-galactosidase fusion lacking the leader are post-translationally modified.