Abstract
BACKGROUND: The role of the Th17/Treg balance in the development of experimental colitis remains poorly understood. METHODS: We exploited the differential response of BALB/c mice and C57BL/6 mice towards drinking water mediated by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) challenge. RESULTS: DSS-resistant BALB/c mice were characterized by low levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α but high levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, and colon lamina propria and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) T cells when compared to C57BL/6 mice. Collectively, these data indicate the propensity of BALB/c mice towards a Th2/Th17/Treg-polarized immunity protecting these animals against DSS challenge, whereas Th1-polarization of C57BL/6 mice confers sensitivity to DSS-induced colitis. CONCLUSIONS: The intrinsic congenital capacity of mouse strains with respect to T cell proliferation determines sensitivity to experimental colitis.