Ly6G+ Neutrophils and Interleukin-17 Are Essential in Protection against Rodent Malaria Caused by Plasmodium berghei ANKA.

Neutrophils are essential in combating invading pathogens such as Plasmodium parasites, but the participation of their subpopulations and mechanisms in resistance to parasite infection are not fully understood. Our study identified a marked increase in Ly6G+ neutrophils in response to P. berghei ANKA infection. Depletion of these cells rendered mice more susceptible to infection. Elevated interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels, which increased the Ly6G+ neutrophil population, were also found to contribute to this protective effect. IL-17 depletion led to reduced neutrophil numbers and increased susceptibility. Furthermore, dihydroartemisinin (DHA) treatment enhanced neutrophil-mediated immune responses through up-regulation of CD18 and CXCR4 factors. These findings revealed key mechanisms of neutrophil and IL-17 interactions in malaria protection and highlighted DHA's potential to promote neutrophil function in combating malaria.