Lipocalin2 protects from severe inflammation in IL-10 knockout mice

Introduction & Aims: The antibacterial protein neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL or Lipocalin-2 (Lcn2)) plays a central role during infections by sequestrating iron and thus suppressing bacterial growth and promoting their clearance. However its function in mucosal gut immunity has not yet been identified. Lcn2 is highly upregulated in human inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Similarly, we observed a strong up-regulation in IL-10 deficient colitic mice. Therefore we sought to investigate Lcn2's functional impact on inflammation in this model of experimental colitis. Methods: We investigated cellul…