Fig. 8: IL-22 promotes mucin secretion via IL-18 during AIEC infection.

a Flow cytometry analysis of ileum epithelial cells, isolated from the indicated naïve mice, for Muc2⁺ Goblet cells. b, c Immunofluorescence analysis of ileum villi for Muc2⁺ Goblet cells in the indicated naïve or AIEC-infected mice at d6 (n = 3 in each group). Mucin in the lumen after infection is also detected and indicated by yellow arrowheads. Quantification of Muc2⁺ Goblet cells per villus is indicated. d Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of IL-22/IL-18-stimulated ileum organoids, derived from the indicated mice, for Goblet cell marker Muc2. e Graphic illustration of integrated and differential regulation of barrier function and epithelial subsets by IL-22 and IL-18 during AIEC host defence. IL-22 initiates an IL-18-dependent response circuit which boosts innate immunity and activates adaptive immunity. Each symbol in bar graphs represents an ileum sample (a) or organoid culture (d) derived from one mouse. Data shown are representative (b, c) or combined (a, d) results from two independent reproducible experiments. Statistical significance is indicated using unpaired two-tailed t test (a) or Two-way ANOVA with Tukey’s multiple comparisons test (b, d). Data are presented as mean ± SD. Source data are provided as a Source Data file.