IL-17 Induces Fetal Loss in a CBA/J×BALB/c Mouse Model, and an Anti-IL-17 Antibody Prevents Fetal Loss in a CBA/J×DBA/2 Mouse Model.

Problem: Many researchers have demonstrated that the expression of interleukin-17(IL-17) is higher in spontaneous abortion. However, whether Th17 cells are an independent factor in inducing abortion is not known.

Method Of Study: This study investigated the effect of exogenous recombinant IL-17 and an anti-IL-17 antibody in a normal and an abortion mouse model using flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time PCR, and Western blot.

Results: Th17 cells and the related factors, IL-17 and RORγt, were significantly upregulated in abortion mice, and Treg cells and the related factor, Foxp3, were downregulated. Intraperitoneal injection of recombinant IL (rIL)-17 induced fetal loss in a normal mouse model, and an anti-IL-17 antibody prevented fetal loss in an abortion mouse model.

Conclusion: This study confirmed an imbalance of the Th17/Treg paradigm in abortion mice and IL-17 as a risk factor of fetal loss. An anti-IL-17 antibody may prevent abortion.