IL-6 trans-signaling enhances CCL20 production from IL-1β-stimulated human periodontal ligament cells

CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) plays a central role in the recruitment of CCR6-expressing cells, including Th17 cells which are related to bone resorption in periodontal lesions and thus in the development of periodontal disease. IL-6 is an important cytokine that is associated with the pathogenesis of periodontitis. However, the effect of IL-6 on CCL20 production is uncertain. The aim of this study was to examine whether IL-6 could modify CCL20 expression in human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs). HPDLCs expressed gp130 but did not express IL-6R on the surface of HPDLCs. So, IL-6 trans-signaling is important to recognize IL-6 by HPDLCs. IL-6/sIL-6R stimulation enhanced CCL20 production in IL-1β-stimulated HPDLCs. IL-6 produced from IL-1β-stimulated HPDLCs with sIL-6R could increase CCL20 production in HPDLCs with sIL-6R. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 activation was related to CCL20 production in IL-1β and IL-6/sIL-6R-stimulated HPDLCs. Our data suggests that HPDLCs, in response to IL-6, sIL-6R, and IL-1β, may shift chemokine production to that favoring CCR6-expressing cells recruitment in periodontal lesions.