We are testing several cytokines in an infection murine model and high levels of IL-22 were detected, however, a few inflammatory cells were recruited into infection site.
at least human epithelial-derived cancer cells (sometimes) produce cytokines - including IL-22. I would expect that if infectioous agents are in the game that this is definitely possible. Try an intracellular stain or flow analysis of isolated cells counterstained with a lymphocyte marker and/or epithelial cell marker to judge it in your model.