Thymic stromal lymphopoetin-induced expression of the endogenous inhibitory enzyme SLPI mediates recovery from colonic inflammation.

Thymic stromal lymphopoetin (TSLP) influences numerous immune functions, including those in the colonic mucosa. Here we report that TSLP-deficient (Tslp(-/-)) mice did not exhibit increased inflammation during dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis but failed to recover from disease, resulting in death. Increased localized neutrophil elastase (NE) activity during overt inflammation was observed in Tslp(-/-) mice and was paralleled by reduced expression of an endogenous inhibitor, secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor (SLPI).

The CD83 reporter mouse elucidates the activity of the CD83 promoter in B, T, and dendritic cell populations in vivo.

CD83 is the major surface marker identifying mature dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we report the generation of reporter mice expressing EGFP under the control of the CD83 promoter. We have used these mice to characterize CD83 expression by various immune system cell types both in vivo and ex vivo and under steady-state conditions and in response to stimulation with a Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand.