Th 细胞因子IL-17、IFN-γ、IL-4 在狼疮性肾炎中的表达及意义

目的:探讨T辅助细胞(Th)相关细胞因子在狼疮性肾炎发病中的免疫机制作用。方法:64例系统性红斑狼疮患者和28例健康体检者作为对照,采用酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA法)检测所有受试者血清IL-17、IFN-γ、IL-4水平,并对其与SLEDAI、SDI、24小时尿蛋白量相关性进行研究。结果:狼疮性肾炎组血清IL-17水平显著高于狼疮无肾炎组和健康对照组(P<0.001),狼疮性肾炎组血清IFN-γ水平显著高于狼疮无肾炎组(P<0.05)和健康对照组(P<0.01),血清IL-4水平在狼疮性肾炎组、狼疮无肾炎组均显著高于健康对照组(P<0.01)。狼疮性肾炎组IFN-γ/IL-4比值显著高于狼疮无肾炎组(P<0.01)和健康对照组(P<0.05);狼疮无肾炎组IFN-γ/IL-4比值显著低于健康对照组(P<0.01)。SLE患者血清IFN-γ表达水平与SLEDAI积分呈正相关(r=0.402,P<0.05),血清IL-17、IL-4表达水平与SLEDAI、SDI、抗ds-DNA抗体、C3、24小时尿蛋白量均无相关性。结论:狼疮性肾炎患者外周血中IL-17、IFN-γ、IL-4等促炎细胞因子均有不同程度升高促起炎症发生及组织损伤,参与了狼疮性肾炎的免疫发病过程。     

Murine NKT cells produce Th17 cytokine interleukin-22

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are known to produce Th17 cytokine IL-17 in addition to Th1/2 cytokines. In this study, the ability of NKT cells to produce IL-22, another Th17 cytokine, was examined in mice. When murine spleen cells were stimulated with α-galactosyl ceramide, a ligand for NKT cells, not only Th1/2 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4) but Th17 cytokines (IL-17, IL-22) were produced. NKT cells isolated from splenocytes released IL-17 and IL-22 following CD3, CD3/IL-2 or CD3/CD28 stimulation, in which CD3/CD28 costimulation was most effective. Production of IL-17 and IL-22 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from splenocytes was little, if any, even after CD3/CD28 costimulation. Treatment with IL-6/TGF-β decreased CD3/CD28-stimulated production of IL-22, but not that of IL-17, in NKT cells. These findings show for the first time that NKT cells are a cell source of IL-22, and that expression of two Th17 cytokines might be regulated in NKT cells by different mechanisms.     

Th17 immune response to adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) hold the promise of achieving successful immunotherapeutic results due to their ability to regulate different T-cell fate. ASCs also show significant adaptability to environmental stresses by modulating their immunologic profile. Cell-based therapy for inflammatory diseases requires a detailed understanding of the molecular relation between ASCs and Th17 lymphocytes taking into account the influence of inflammation and cell ratio on such interaction. Accordingly, a dose-dependent increase in Th17 generation was only observed in high MSC:T-cell ratio with no significant impact of inflammatory priming. IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) expression by T cells was not modulated by ASCs when compared to levels in activated T cells, while ROR-γt expression was significantly increased reaching a maximum in high (1:5) unprimed ASC:T-cell ratio. Finally, multiplex immunoassay showed substantial changes in the secretory profile of 15 cytokines involved in the Th17 immune response (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-21, IL-23, IL-25, IL-31, IL-33, IFN-γ, sCD40, and TNF-α), which was modulated by both cell ratio and inflammatory priming. These findings suggest that Th17 lymphocyte pathway is significantly modulated by ASCs that may lead to immunological changes. Therefore, future ASC-based immunotherapy should take into account the complex and detailed molecular interactions that depend on several factors including inflammatory priming and cell ratio.     

Th17细胞及白细胞介素-17在肝移植急性排斥反应中的意义

目的探讨Th17细胞及相关因子白细胞介素-17（IL-17）在肝移植急性排斥反应中的变化及意义。方法收集2011年1月至2012年12月大连医科大学附属第二医院肝移植手术患者28例,根据移植肝组织穿刺活检病理诊断结果将肝移植的28例患者分为急性排异反应组6例和无排斥反应稳定组22例,15名健康体检者作为对照组。急性排斥组及稳定组在移植术后3 d和7 d,行肝穿刺活检病理检查;同时检测受检者外周血Th17细胞,受检者血清中IL-17水平。结果移植肝穿刺活检病理诊断显示急性排斥组随着移植时间延长,排斥反应逐渐增强。肝组织出现典型的细胞免疫性病理损伤,术后7 d肝脏汇管区、肝实质、小静脉壁、胆管上皮内及小叶间胆管被大量的淋巴细胞及嗜中性粒细胞包绕及浸润,胆管上皮细胞内空泡形成、上皮细胞凋亡。病理改变明显比术后3 d严重;急性排斥组患者术后3 d和7 d外周血Th17细胞比例及血清中IL-17含量较稳定组和对照组均明显增多（P〈0.05）,且Th17细胞及IL-17在术后急性排斥期7 d值均明显高于3 d（P〈0.05）。结论 Th17细胞及IL-17在肝移植急性排斥反应的发生、发展中可能起着促进作用,外周血Th17细胞及IL-17的检测有可能成为肝移植急性排斥反应的早期诊断指标。     

The attenuation of Th1 and Th17 responses via autophagy protects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced sepsis

Whether autophagy affects methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-induced sepsis and the associated mechanisms are largely unknown. This study investigated the role of autophagy in MRSA-induced sepsis. The levels of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)-II/I, Beclin-1 and p62 after USA300 infection were examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Bacterial burden analysis, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Kaplan–Meier analysis were performed to evaluate the effect of autophagy on MRSA-induced sepsis. IFN-γ and IL-17 were analyzed by ELISA, and CD4⁺ T cell differentiation was assessed by flow cytometry. Our results showed that LC3-II/I and Beclin-1 were increased, while p62 was decreased after infection. Survival rates were decreased in the LC3B^−/− and Beclin-1^+/− groups, accompanied by worsened organ injuries and increased IFN-γ and IL-17 levels, whereas rapamycin alleviated organ damage, decreased IFN-γ and IL-17 levels, and improved the survival rate. However, there was no significant difference in bacterial burden. Flow cytometric analysis showed that rapamycin treatment decreased the frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells, whereas these cells were upregulated in the LC3B^−/− and Beclin-1^+/− groups. Therefore, autophagy plays a protective role in MRSA-induced sepsis, which may be partly associated with the alleviation of organ injuries via the downregulation of Th1 and Th17 responses. These results provide a nonantibiotic treatment strategy for sepsis.     

Potentiation of Th17 cytokines in aging process contributes to the development of colitis

Th17 cells, which produce IL-17 and IL-22, promote autoimmunity in mice and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases in humans. However, the Th17 immune response in the aging process is still not clear. In the present study, we found that the induction of IL-17-produing CD4⁺ T cells was significantly increased in aged individuals compared with young healthy ones. The mRNA expression of IL-17, IL-17F, IL-22, and RORC2 was also significantly increased in aged people. Similar to humans, Th17 cells as well as mRNAs encoding IL-17, IL-22 and RORγt were dramatically elevated in naïve T cells from aged mouse compared to young ones. In addition, CD44 positive IL-17-producing CD4⁺ T cells were significantly higher in aged mice, suggesting that memory T cells are an important source of IL-17 production. Furthermore, the percentage of IL-17-produing CD4⁺ T cells generated in co-culture with dendritic cells from either aged or young mice did not show significant differences, suggesting that dendritic cells do not play a primary role in the elevation of Th17 cytokines in aged mouse cells. Importantly, transfer of CD4⁺CD45Rb^hi cells from aged mice induced more severe colitis in RAG^−/− mice compared to cells from young mice, Taken together, these results suggest that Th17 immune responses are elevated in aging humans and mice and may contribute to the increased development of inflammatory disorders in the elderly.     

Deviated balance between Th1 and Th17 cells exacerbates acute graft-versus-host disease in mice

BackgroundTh1/Th17 imbalance had been indicated to mediate several kinds of inflammatory diseases. We deduce that Th1/Th17 imbalance might also contribute to the pathogenesis of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This study is to investigate the relation between Th1/Th17 imbalance and acute GVHD.MethodsWe applied a murine GVHD model of C57BL/6 (H-2^b) donor to BALB/c (H-2^d) recipient by treating the recipients with low dose of halofuginone (HF), which is competent in selectively inhibiting Th17 differentiation and facilitating Th1 differentiation. Recipient mice were monitored for survival rate, body weight change, clinical symptoms and pathological evidence of acute GVHD. We also measured the proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells in circulation and expression levels of IFN-γ and IL-17A in tissues involved in GVHD.ResultsFirstly, we confirm the existence of Th1/Th17 imbalance in acute GVHD and Th1/Th17 imbalance positively correlates with severity of acute GVHD. Secondly, low dose of HF augments Th1/Th17 imbalance by driving the Th1/Th17 balance to a Th1-dominant reaction. Finally, augmented Th1/Th17 imbalance leads to aggravated systemic GVHD. An increased Th1-type reaction results in aggravated hepatic and intestinal GVHD, and inhibiting Th17 differentiation is sufficient to alleviate pulmonic impairment.ConclusionOur study is indicative for a critical role of Th1/Th17 imbalance in the pathogenesis of murine GVHD.     

IL-17 inhibits human Th1 differentiation through IL-12Rβ2 downregulation

Th17 cells are critical in adaptive immunity and autoimmune disease. The polarized development of Th17, Th1 and Th2 cells is dependent on counterregulatory effects on each other. Whereas IFN-γ inhibits Th17 development, the effect of IL-17 in human Th1 development is not known. We report a novel negative regulatory role of IL-17 on IL-12Rβ2 expression associated with reduced IL-12 responsiveness. IL-17 decreased IL-12-induced IFN-γ expression in PBMC and developing Th1 cells, associated with a selective reduction in IL-12Rβ2, and not IL-23R, IL-12Rβ1 or T-bet. Counterregulatory effects of human Th17 on Th1 lineage cytokines may contribute to lineage divergence. In autoimmune disease, IL-17 may reinforce its own developmental programme by reducing IL-12 responsiveness, thus limiting inhibitory effects of IFN-γ on Th17 development.     

The prevalence of Th17 cells in patients with gastric cancer

Th17 cells have emerged as an important mediator in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, recent studies suggest a potential impact of Th17 cells on tumor. The current study was designed to investigate the possible involvement of Th17 cells in gastric cancer. Compared with healthy volunteers, patients with gastric cancer had a higher proportion of Th17 cells in peripheral blood. Notably, the increased prevalence of Th17 cells was associated with clinical stage. In addition, increased populations of Th17 cells were present in tumor-draining lymph nodes with advanced disease. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of Th17-related factors (IL-17, IL-23p19, and RORC) in tumor tissues and the serum concentrations of IL-17 and IL-23 cytokines were significantly increased in patients with advanced gastric cancer. The results indicate that Th17 cells may contribute to gastric cancer pathogenesis.     

肝移植急性排斥反应时外周血Th17细胞的特征及意义

目的:观测肝移植患者术前及术后急性排斥时外周血中Th17细胞频率变化特征,探讨其与肝移植术后急性排斥发生的关系。方法:对18例于我院进行肝移植手术的患者进行随访研究,应用流式细胞仪检测各随访点外周血中Th17细胞频率。随访期间发生急性排斥反应的患者为急排组(n=7,男女比为5/2),未发生急性排斥反应者为非急排组(n=11,男女比为8/3),比较两组患者肝移植前后外周血中Th17细胞频率的变化规律。结果:急排组与非急排组患者肝移植术前外周血中Th17细胞频率无统计学差异(P=0.672),而急排组患者发生急性排斥反应时与非急排组患者相比Th17细胞频率明显升高(P=0.002)。在随访研究中,急排组患者在发生急性排斥反应时外周血中Th17细胞频率较未发生急性排斥反应时增高,且Th17细胞频率与ALT变化趋势一致,呈明显正性相关。而非急排组患者术后随访期间外周血中Th17细胞频率无统计学差异。结论:肝移植患者术后发生急性排斥反应时外周血中Th17细胞频率明显升高,变化趋势与ALT水平一致,呈正性相关,可能成为诊断急性排斥反应的潜在指标。     

Hypoxia induces T Helper 17 cell upregulation in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from chronic stage patients of severe cerebral infarction

Studies have shown the IL-17A involvement in human ischemic stroke patients in vivo. Whether the IL-17A expression was originated from Th17 and could be stimulated by hypoxia remained unknown. Here we report the Th17 upregulation in anaerobic cultured PBMC from chronic stage patients of severe cerebral infarction. By using ELISA and FACS we examined IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-23 and IL-17A protein levels in the supernatants and Th1/Th17 ratios in PBMC. Statistical significance of Th17 but not Th1 upregulation was proved in 6-hr anaerobic cultured patient groups (P < 0.001). Hence, Th17 might be essential in the autoimmune pathogenesis when hypoxia recurs in severe ischemic stroke patients.     

The preoperative activity of Th1 and Th17 cytokine axes in prediction of sepsis after radical cystectomy

The aim of the study was to correlate the preoperative activity of Th1 and Th17 cytokine axes with the development of sepsis after radical cystectomy. The study involved twenty patients with the infiltrative transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder without previous radiotherapy/chemotherapy, who underwent open radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. Preoperative plasma concentrations of Th1 cytokines interleukin 12 (IL-12) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and Th17 cytokines IL-23 and IL-17, were measured using ELISA. Preoperative expression of mRNA for IL-12p35, IFN-γ, IL-23p19 and IL-17 was quantified by real-time RT-PCR using mRNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Eight patients developed postoperative sepsis, diagnosed within two weeks post-operation as systemic inflammatory response syndrome in the presence of local or systemic infection. The preoperative basal plasma concentrations of Th1 and Th17 cytokines were slightly above the detection limits, with a tendency toward lower concentrations in patients who developed sepsis, but the difference was not significant (p>0.05). The preoperative expression of mRNA encoding IL-12p35 and IL-17 was significantly lower in patients who developed sepsis (p=0.003 and p=0.028, respectively). The similar trend was observed for IL-23p19 and IFN-γ, but the differences did not reach the statistical significance (p=0.051 and p=0.172, respectively). These data suggest that determination of preoperative Th1 and Th17 cytokine mRNA levels might be useful in predicting sepsis development after radical cystectomy.     

21例侵袭性肺曲霉病患者Th以及Treg细胞的检测

目的：分析侵袭性肺曲霉病患者辅助性T细胞（Th）以及调节性T细胞（Treg）在外周血中单个核细胞中的表达情况及其临床相关性,探讨Th和Treg细胞介导的免疫反应在侵袭性肺曲霉病中的作用。方法分离21例侵袭性肺曲霉病患者及19例健康人外周血的单个核细胞,采用流式细胞术分析Th1、Th2、Th17、Treg细胞群的表达情况,Real-timePCR方法检测相关转录因子T-bet、GATA-3、RORγt以及Foxp3的表达,ELISA法检测血清中相关细胞因子IFN-γ、IL-4、IL-17以及TGF-β的表达。结果与健康人对照组相比,侵袭性肺曲霉病患者Th1细胞以及Treg细胞占CD4＋T细胞的比例较之对照组明显降低;Th1、Th17、Treg细胞相关转录因子T-bet、RORγt、Foxp3以及相关细胞因子IFN-γ、IL-17A、TGF-β与对照组相比表达明显降低。结论IPA患者的Th1、Th17以及Treg细胞所介导的免疫反应受抑制。     

Elevated Frequencies of Circulating Th22 Cell in Addition to Th17 Cell and Th17/Th1 Cell in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease mediated by immune cells. Th22 cells are CD4⁺ T cells that secret IL-22 but not IL-17 or IFN-γ and are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease. The roles of Th22 cells in the pathophysiologic procedures of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the profile of Th22, Th17 and Th17/Th1 cells in ACS patients, including unstable angina (UA) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients.

Design and Methods

In this study, 26 AMI patients, 16 UA patients, 16 stable angina (SA) patients and 16 healthy controls were included. The frequencies of Th22, Th17 and Th17/Th1 cells in AMI, UA, SA patients and healthy controls were examined by flow cytometry. Plasma levels of IL-22, IL-17 and IFN-γ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Th22, Th17 and Th17/Th1 cells were significantly increased in AMI and UA patients compared with SA patients and healthy controls. Moreover, plasma IL-22 level was significantly elevated in AMI and UA patients. In addition, Th22 cells correlated positively with IL-22 as well as Th17 cells in AMI and UA patients.

Conclusion

Our findings showed increased frequencies of both Th22 and Th17 cells in ACS patients, which suggest that Th22 and Th17 cells may play a potential role in plaque destabilization and the development of ACS.     

Loss of Sprouty4 in T cells ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice by negatively regulating IL-1β receptor expression

Th17 cells, which have been implicated in autoimmune diseases, require IL-6 and TGF-β for early differentiation. To gain pathogenicity, however, Th17 cells require IL-1β and IL-23. The underlying mechanism by which these confer pathogenicity is not well understood. Here we show that Sprouty4, an inhibitor of the PLCγ-ERK pathway, critically regulates inflammatory Th17 (iTh17) cell differentiation. Sprouty4-deficient mice, as well as mice adoptively transferred with Sprouty4-deficient T cells, were resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) and showed decreased Th17 cell generation in vivo. In vitro, Sprouty4 deficiency did not severely affect TGF-β/IL-6-induced Th17 cell generation but strongly impaired Th17 differentiation induced by IL-1/IL-6/IL-23. Analysis of Th17-related gene expression revealed that Sprouty4-deficient Th17 cells expressed lower levels of IL-1R1 and IL-23R, while RORγt levels were similar. Consistently, overexpression of Sprouty4 or pharmacological inhibition of ERK upregulated IL-1R1 expression in primary T cells. Thus, Sprouty4 and ERK play a critical role in developing iTh17 cells in Th17 cell-driven autoimmune diseases.     

子宫内膜异位症患者免疫调节Th17细胞及Treg细胞的表达意义

目的探究子宫内膜异位症患者免疫调节Th17细胞及Treg细胞的表达意义。 方法选取2017年1月至2018年12月青岛大学附属医院收治患有子宫内膜异位症的患者,为子宫内膜异位组（EMT组）,选取同一时期在医院因不孕不育进行腹腔镜检查的患者,为正常组（NM组）,两组分别56例。EMT组和NM组患者在一般资料上差异无统计学意义。通过流式细胞仪、HE染色法、qRT-PCR法、ELISA法分析EMT组和NM组患者Th17、Treg细胞所占比例、子宫内膜组织病变情况、ROR-γt、Foxp3 mRNA表达含量的差异性来探究子宫内膜异位症患者Th17细胞及Treg细胞变化。实验结果用 ±s表示,并采用独立样本t检验进行比较。 结果EMT组患者CD4⁺ T细胞中Th17所占比例为5.48±2.81,Treg所占比例为4.22±1.04,NM组Th17所占比例为2.34±1.01,Treg所占比例为6.14±1.52,差异均有统计学意义（t = 7.869,3.015,P = 0.014,0.026）。EMT组患者血清中IL-17水平为（256.38±34.15）?pg/ ml、IL-22为（67.48±10.89）?pg/ml,NM组患者血清中IL-17水平为（198.04±27.59）?pg/ml、IL-22为（43.78±6.92）?pg/ml,差异均有统计学意义（t = 9.944,4.689,P = 0.008,0.017）。EMT组患者血清中IL-10水平为（18.56±4.77）?pg/ml、TGF-β为（148.28±40.52） pg/ ml,NM组患者血清中IL-10水平为（28.35±6.07）pg/ml、TGF-β为（204.78±19.87）pg/ml,差异均有统计学意义（t = 9.491,2.849,P = 0.012,0.034）。EMT组患者子宫内膜组织形态不规则,多数细胞不完整,破损或缺失,且炎性细胞增多,在其周围聚集。NM组患者子宫内膜组织形态规则,细胞没有明显破损或缺失,未见细胞周围炎性因子增多。qRT-PCR检测结果显示,EMT组和NM组ROR-γ mRNA分别为2.89±0.76、1.71±0.26,EMT组和NM组Foxp3 mRNA分别为2.25±0.34、1.13±0.18,两组差异均有统计学意义（t = 10.996,6.759,P = 0.006,0.011）。 结论子宫内膜异位症患者外周血免疫调节细胞Th17/Treg平衡失调,免疫调节紊乱与子宫内膜异位发生、发展有密切关系。     

Cyclosporin A inhibits the production of IL-17 by memory Th17 cells from healthy individuals and patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Recent evidence from several studies indicated that IL-17-producing Th17 cells can represent the key effector cells in the induction and development of autoimmune disorders. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a commonly used immunosuppressant to treat lots of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we demonstrated that PBMCs and purified CD4⁺ T cells from healthy individuals and patients with RA could be induced to produce large amounts of IL-17 after stimulation with anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 mAbs. Phenotypic analysis indicated that the majority of IL-17-producing cells were Th17 cells with memory phenotype. The addition of CsA into cell cultures significantly inhibited the IL-17 production by Th17 cells at protein and at mRNA levels. Compared to the PBMCs from normal individuals, PBMCs from the patients with RA produced higher levels of IL-17 that was also significantly inhibited by CsA both at protein and at mRNA levels. The mechanism might be the effect of CsA on the T cells activation because the expression of CD69 and CD25 molecules on T cells was markedly reduced in the presence of CsA. Taken together, these results demonstrated that CsA suppressed the IL-17 production and inhibited the Th17 cells differentiation from both healthy individuals and patients with RA.     

IL-23/Th17轴在变应性哮喘中的研究进展

变应性哮喘是一种由辅助性T细胞（T helper cell,Th cell）调节的慢性炎症性疾病。Th1/Th2的失衡一直被认为是变应性哮喘的发病机制,Th2细胞及其分泌的细胞因子白介素4（interleukin 4,IL-4）、IL-5以及IL-13在变应性哮喘特异性症状的发病中发挥重要作用。最近研究发现Th17细胞及其分泌的IL-17参与变应性哮喘的发展过程,IL-23在Th17细胞维持生存和功能成熟中发挥重要作用,并参与抗原诱导的气道炎症反应。该文对目前IL-23/Th17轴在变应性气道炎症反应中的研究进展作一综述。