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Altered frequency of Th17 and Treg cells in new‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Author(s) -
Chen Min,
Chen Xiaoqi,
Wan Qianqian
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1111/eci.13012
Subject(s) - foxp3 , pathogenesis , rar related orphan receptor gamma , immunology , interleukin 17 , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , medicine , inflammation , biology , immune system , genetics , in vitro
Background T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE ). Their imbalance was reported in treated SLE patients, while very little is known about the relationship between Th17 and Treg cells in new‐onset untreated SLE patients. Aim To assess the role of Th17/Treg cells in the pathogenesis of new‐onset SLE . Materials and methods Thirty‐nine new‐onset SLE patients and 33 age‐matched healthy adults were enrolled. We analysed Th17 and Treg cells in different level, including their frequencies in peripheral blood mononuclear cell, the expression of interleukin‐17 A ( IL ‐17A) and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) proteins, the expression of retinoid‐related orphan nuclear receptor γt ( ROR γt) and FoxP3 genes and plasma level of IL ‐17A. Results The frequency of Th17 and Treg cells, the expression of IL ‐17A among Th17 cell, the plasma level of IL ‐17A, the expression of ROR γt and FoxP3 genes were all significantly higher in SLE patients. Th17 cells were negatively correlated with Treg cells. We also found that plasma level of IL ‐17A was positively correlated with SLE disease activities index ( SLEDAI ) scores and an equation among the level of C3, IgA, IL ‐17A and SLEDAI scores. Conclusions Results indicate that Th17 and Treg cells take roles in the pathogenesis of SLE . Th17 cells might suppress the differentiation of Treg cells, and feedback effects might exist between them during SLE pathogenesis. The measure of plasma level of IL ‐17A may be useful for evaluation of disease activity in new‐onset SLE patients.