T cell-derived IL-22 directs mature colonocyte fate and upregulates host defense genes during Citrobacter rodentium infection.

We identified two distinct subsets of absorptive epithelial cells in the mid-distal colons of mice that are regionally divided and differentially respond to IL-22 signals. Cells from the epithelial layer of mid-distal colons of naïve BL/6, d9 C.r-infected Il22/hCD4 floxed (control), and d9 C.r-infected Il22/hCD4.CD4/Cre (T cell-specific deficiency of IL-22; T cKO) mice were isolated with DTT, followd by EDTA, and then sorted on all live cells (L/D dye-).