IL-23 is essential to the development of elastase-induced pulmonary inflammation and emphysema

RATIONALE: We have recently reported that IL-17A plays a critical role to the development of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE)-induced emphysema. The proliferation of Th17 cells is induced by IL-23, however, the role of IL-23 in pulmonary emphysema remains uncertain. METHODS: Using a murine model of PPE-induced pulmonary emphysema, we assessed IL-23p19-deficient (IL-23-/-) mice and wild type (WT) mice. Intra-tracheal instillation...