Fig. 5.

p38α-dependent IL-27 in DCs regulates IL-22–producing ILC3 generation and IEC barrier function on DSS treatment. (A–E) Wild-type (WT) and p38α^ΔDC mice were supplied with 7 d of 3% DSS solution followed with 2 d of normal drinking water (n = 5). IL-22 secretion in colon tissue (A), the percentages and cell numbers of IL-22⁺ ILC3s in colon tissue (B), the BrdU (C) and active caspase-3 (Cas 3) staining (D) of IECs, and FITC-dextran concentration in serum in intestinal permeability analysis (E) were examined. Isotype antibody was used as control (Con) of active Cas 3 staining. (F and G) WT, p38α^ΔDC, and DKO mice were treated with DSS to check the percentage of IL-22⁺ ILC3s in colon tissue (n = 6; F) and FITC-dextran concentration in serum (n = 7; G). Data represent mean ± SEM. Two-tailed Student’s t test (A–E) and one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s posttest (F and G). Results were replicated (n ≥ 2 experiments). *P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; ns, not significant.