IL-3 orchestrates ulcerative colitis pathogenesis by controlling the development and the recruitment of splenic reservoir neutrophils

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a global health issue with an increasing incidence. Although the pathogenesis of IBDs has been investigated intensively, the etiology of IBDs remains enigmatic. Here we report that interleukin-3 (Il-3) deficient mice are more susceptible and exhibit increased intestinal inflammation during the early stage of experimental colitis. IL-3 is locally expressed in the colon by cells harboring a mesenchymal stem cell phenotype and protects by promoting the early recruitment of splenic neutrophils with high microbicidal capability into the colon. Mechanistically, IL-3-dependent neutrophil recruitment involves CCL5+ PD-1high LAG-3high T cells, STAT5 and CCL20 and is sustained by extramedullary splenic hematopoiesis. During acute colitis, Il-3-/- show however increased resistance to the disease as well as reduced intestinal inflammation. Altogether, this study deepens our understanding of IBD pathogenesis, identifies IL-3 as an orchestrator of intestinal inflammation and reveals the spleen as an emergency reservoir for neutrophils during colonic inflammation.