Anti-arthritogenic effect of Saponin-1 by alteration of Th1/Th2 cytokine paradigm in arthritic mice

Objective & designInvestigation was carried out on Saponin 1 (SAP-1), a novel molecule isolated from Parthenium hysterophorus, on proinflammatory (Th1) & anti-inflammatory (Th2) cytokines in blood of arthritic balb/c mice.MethodsAdjuvant induced developing inflammatory arthritis was induced in mice which were treated with SAP-1 in graded oral doses. The molecular markers were determined using Flow Cytometry which uses sensitivity of amplified fluorescence detection to measure soluble analytes in particle based immune assay. The T-helper (Th1) deviated cells produce detectable level of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), interleukin-2 (IL-2) & interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), while the Th2 deviated cells produce significant amount of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-5 (IL-5).ResultsSAP-1 at graded oral doses inhibited expression of IFN-gamma & TNF-alpha in serum & correspondingly increased expression of IL-4 significantly. SAP-1 also inhibited IL-17 and CD4⁺CD25⁺ cell population showing to have suppressive effect on Th-17 pathway as well as T-regulatory cells. It also suppressed the increased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators like IL-1β and NO. Inhibitors of Cox-2 and MCP-1 provide effective improvements in signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. SAP-1 decreased the elevated concentration of both COX-2 and MCP-1 in arthritic animals.ConclusionsSAP-1 diminishes Th1 immunity activation, a primary cause of arthritis, in favour of Th2 dominance, which reduces arthritic condition in mice displaying immune-modulatory potential.     

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。     

妊娠期肝内胆汁淤积症患者外周血中维生素D受体 与Th1/Th2 型细胞因子的变化

目的:研究妊娠期肝内胆汁淤积症患者外周血中维生素D受体的表达与Th1/Th2型细胞因子干扰素-γ/白细胞介素-4(IFN-γ/IL-4)的变化关系,探讨ICP发病机制。方法:选取ICP患者31例(ICP组),孕周相匹配的正常孕妇31例(正常对照组)。采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA法),检测两组孕妇血清中Th1型细胞因子(IFN-γ)和Th2型细胞因子(IL-4)的水平;采用实时荧光定量逆转录-多聚酶链反应(qRT-PCR),检测两组孕妇外周血单个核细胞维生素D受体(VDR)mRNA的表达水平,采用3-磷酸甘油醛脱氢酶(GAPDH)为内参,根据相对定量公式:2-△△CT分析VDR mRNA的表达水平。结果:(1)ICP组外周血清中IFN-γ的浓度[(230.93±36.04)pg/ml]明显高于正常对照组[(138.37±25.08)pg/ml],差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。ICP组血清中IL-4浓度[(9.99±3.19)pg/ml]和正常对照组[(8.58±2.43)pg/ml]比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。ICP组IFN-γ/IL-4比值(24.56±6.91)高于正常对照组(17.13±4.84),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(2)ICP组外周血单个核细胞维生素D受体mRNA的表达明显低于正常对照组(P<0.01),正常对照组VDR的表达定义为1.0,ICP组的表达量为0.4。(3)ICP组外周血中VDR的表达水平与IFN-γ浓度呈明显负相关(r=-0.833,P<0.01),与IL-4浓度无明显相关(r=-0.109,P>0.05),与IFN-γ/IL-4比值呈负相关,但相关性不强(r=-0.356,P=0.049<0.05)。结论:ICP患者外周血Th1/Th2型细胞因子平衡由Th2向Th1偏移,可能与ICP孕妇外周血单个核细胞VDR的表达减少有关。     

Th1/Th2 cytokine profile in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

ObjectiveTo determine the serum levels of Th1 (IL-12, IFN-γ,TNF-α) and Th2 (IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10) cytokines in childhood-onset SLE, first-degree relatives and healthy controls. To elucidate their association with disease activity, laboratory and treatment features.MethodsWe included 60 consecutive childhood-onset SLE patients [median age 18 years (range 10–37)], 64 first-degree relatives [median 40 (range 28–52)] and 57 healthy [median age 19 years (range 6–30 years)] controls. Controls were age and sex-matched to SLE patients. SLE patients were assessed for clinical and laboratory SLE manifestations, disease activity (SLEDAI), damage (SDI) and current drug exposures. Mood and anxiety disorders were determined through Becks Depression (BDI) and Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Th1 (IL-12, IFN-γ,TNF-α) and Th2 (IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10) cytokines levels were measured by ELISA and compared by non-parametric tests.ResultsSerum TNF-α (p = 0.004), IL-6 (p = 0.007) and IL-10 (p = 0.03) levels were increased in childhood-onset SLE patients when compared to first-degree relatives and healthy controls. TNF-α levels were significantly increased in patients with active disease (p = 0.014) and correlated directly with SLEDAI scores (r = 0.39; p = 0.002). IL-12 (p = 0.042) and TNF-α (p = 0.009) levels were significantly increased in patients with nephritis and TNF-α in patients with depression (p = 0.001). No association between cytokine levels and SDI scores or medication was observed.ConclusionTh1 cytokines may play a role in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric and renal manifestations in childhood-onset SLE. The correlation with SLEDAI suggests that TNF-α may be a useful biomarker for disease activity in childhood-onset SLE, however longitudinal studies are necessary to determine if increase of this cytokine may predict flares in childhood-onset SLE.     

Effects of the Linear Fragments of Beta-(1→3)-Glucans on Cytokine Production <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis>

Beta-glucans, homopolysaccharides composed of 3,6-branching β-(1→3)-D-glucan chains, attract great interest as inducers of cytokine synthesis. In this work, we studied the ability of linear fragments of beta-glucan chains to activate cytokine synthesis. Synthetic nona-β-(1→3)-D-glucoside (SO) representing a linear fragment of beta-glucan chain, endotoxin (ED), and natural β-(1→3)-D-glucan (GL) were tested for their role as inducers of cytokines in whole peripheral blood cultures collected from 17 individuals. The concentrations of IL-12p70, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10, IL-8, IL-6, IL-4, IL-5, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TNF-β were measured in the supernatants after 2, 24, and 48 h of cell culturing. SO, ED, and GL stim- ulated production of pro-inflammatory IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and anti-inflammatory IL-10. The high- est levels of biosynthesis after stimulation with SO were registered for IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. SO stimulated production of all cytokines (except IFN-γ) to a lesser extent than ED and GL. The IFN-γ/IL-10 (Th1/Th2) ratios after 24 and 48 h of culturing were 3.1 and 7.5 for SO; 0.03 and 0.1 for GL; and 0.06 and 0.2 for ED, respectively. The results indicate that lin- ear fragments of beta-glucans cause a more pronounced shift of immune response towards the pro-inflammatory (Th1) type than beta-glucan itself.     

Identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific Th1, Th17 and Th22 cells using the expression of CD40L in tuberculous pleurisy

Important advances have been made in the immunodiagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) based on the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-specific T cells. However, the sensitivity and specificity of the immunological approach are relatively low because there are no specific markers for antigen-specific Th cells, and some of the Th cells that do not produce cytokines can be overlooked using this approach. In this study, we found that MTB-specific peptides of ESAT-6/CFP-10 can stimulate the expression of CD40L specifically in CD4(+) T cells but not other cells from pleural fluid cells (PFCs) in patients with tuberculous pleurisy (TBP). CD4(+)CD40L(+) but not CD4(+)CD40L(-) T cells express IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α, IL-17 or IL-22 after stimulation with MTB-specific peptides. In addition, CD4(+)CD40L(+) T cells were found to be mostly polyfunctional T cells that simultaneously produce IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α and display an effector or effector memory phenotype (CD45RA(-)CD45RO(+)CCR7(-)CD62L(-)ICOS(-)). To determine the specificity of CD4(+)CD40L(+) T cells, we incubated PFCs with ESTA-6/CFP-10 peptides and sorted live CD4(+)CD40L(+) and CD4(+)CD40L(-) T cells by flow cytometry. We further demonstrated that sorted CD4(+)CD40L(+), but not CD4(+)CD40L(-) fractions, principally produced IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α, IL-17 and IL-22 following restimulation with ESTA-6/CFP-10 peptides. Taken together, our data indicate that the expression of CD40L on MTB-specific CD4(+) T cells could be a good marker for the evaluation and isolation of MTB-specific Th cells and might also be useful in the diagnosis of TB.     

(−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate induces up-regulation of Th1 and Th2 cytokine genes in Jurkat T cells

In the present study, we found that (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of the Th1/Th2 cytokines including IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-5 and IL-13 in Jurkat T cells. The EGCG-induced mRNA up-regulation of IL-2 and IL-5 was predominantly affected by the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signalling, whereas IL-13 gene expression, the most responsive to the EGCG treatment, was dependent on neither ERK nor c-jun NH₂-terminal kinase (JNK) signalling. IFN-γ gene expression was partially mitigated by both inhibitors of the ERK and JNK pathways. Furthermore, catalase significantly attenuated the intracellular peroxide production, phosphorylation of ERK and JNK, and all cytokine gene expressions induced by EGCG. In addition, physiologically relevant concentrations of both EGCG and H₂O₂-induced up-regulation of IL-5 gene expression. Our findings provide biological evidence that EGCG induces Th1/Th2 cytokine mRNA expression via H₂O₂ production followed by activation of ERK or JNK in Jurkat T cells.     

Haptoglobin and the Th1/Th2 balance: hints from in vitro and in vivo studies

Abstract

A variety of immunomodulatory effects have previously been attributed to haptoglobin (Hp). These are supposed to be partly mediated through binding of Hp to CD11b. In the present study, we assessed its effects on T-helper (Th) cytokine production following both in vitro and in vivo stimulation of T-cells. Hp exhibits a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on human T lymphocyte release of the Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13) in vitro, whereas it has no clear effect on Th1 cytokine (IL-2 and IFN-γ) release. When administered an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, Hp knockout mice produced more IL-4 and less IFN-γ than did their wild-type litter-mates. Our findings imply that Hp may be regarded as a regulator of the Th1/Th2 balance in both human and murine immune systems.     

Overexpression of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Cxcr4 Gene in Irradiated Mice Increases the Homing Capacity of These Cells

The efficiency of the intravascular delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) homing to bone marrow has been largely limited. This study aimed to evaluate the homing efficacy in irradiated mice of MSCs that have been engineered to overexpress the murine Cxcr4 gene. Mouse MSCs were infected by a lentivirus vector carrying Cxcr4. MSC migration was detected by an in vitro transwell migration assay. EGFP-positive MSCs were systemically injected into BALB/c mice and detected in bone marrow samples by flow cytometry. The concentration of mouse stromal-derived factor 1 was detected by ELISA. The plasma concentration of the inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, MCP-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-12p70, were determined by cytometric bead array. MSCs that overexpressed Cxcr4 displayed enhanced migration toward a stromal-derived factor 1 gradient. The transplantation of Cxcr4-overexpressing MSCs into irradiated mice leads to increased homing to the bone marrow. Moreover, the frequency of the EGFP-positive cells in a bone marrow infusion 24 h after total body irradiation was 2.2-fold more than at 4 h after irradiation. The concentration of both plasma and bone marrow stromal-derived factor 1 increased after irradiation, and this was positively correlated with the number of Cxcr4-overexpressing MSCs homing to the bone marrow. Moreover, compared with the control groups, the plasma levels of IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and MCP-1 and IL-12p70 in recipients infused with Cxcr4-overexpressing MSCs was significantly decreased. The level of IL-10 was increased, which correlated with changes in the Th1 and Th2 subset balance. MSCs that overexpressed Cxcr4 and were injected into irradiated mice had an enhanced homing capacity which was related to the bone marrow level of stromal-derived factor 1.     

N-acetyl tryptophan glucopyranoside (NATG) as a countermeasure against gamma radiation-induced immunosuppression in murine macrophage J774A.1 cells

Radiation exposure to immune system induces imbalance in cytokines expression involved in Th1/Th2 homeostasis perturbations. In the present study, N-acetyl tryptophan glucoside (NATG), a bacterial secondary metabolite, was evaluated for its possible radioprotective potential to immune system using J774A.1 murine macrophages. In this study, expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-2, IL-12, IL-13 and IL-17A cytokines was analyzed in irradiated and NATG pretreated cells using ELISA assay. Results of the study indicated that irradiated macrophages (NK-1R^+?cells) pretreated with NATG showed higher (p?相似文献   

Transforming growth factor-β and Th17 responses in resistance to primary murine schistosomiasis mansoni

Discovery of the T-helper (Th) 17 cell lineage and functions in immune responses of mouse and man prompted us to investigate the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and interleukin (IL)-17 in innate resistance to murine schistosomiasis mansoni. Schistosoma mansoni-infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were administered with recombinant TGF-β or mouse monoclonal antibody to TGF-β to evaluate the impact of this cytokine on host immune responses against lung-stage schistosomula, and subsequent effects on adult worm parameters. Developing schistosomula elicited increase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) mRNA expression and/or plasma levels of IL-4, IL-17, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), cytokines known to antagonize each other, resulting in impaired Th1/Th2, and Th17 immune responses and parasite evasion. Mice treated with TGF-β showed elevated PBMC mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-17, TGF-β, and TNF-α mRNA and increased IL-23 and IL-17 or TGF-β plasma levels, associated with significantly (P < 0.02–<0.0001) lower S. mansoni adult worm burden compared to controls in both mouse strains, thus suggesting that TGF-β led to heightened Th17 responses that mediated resistance to the infection. Mice treated with antibody to TGF-β showed increase in PBMC mRNA expression and plasma levels of IL-4, IL-12p70, and IFN-γ, and significantly (P < 0.02 and <0.0001) reduced worm burden and liver worm egg counts than untreated mice, indicating that Th1/Th2 immune responses were potentiated, resulting in significant innate resistance to schistosomiasis. The implications of these observations for schistosome immune evasion and vaccination were discussed.     

Identification of TLR inducing Th1-responsive Leishmania donovani amastigote-specific antigens

Leishmania is known to elicit Th2 response that causes leishmaniasis progression; on the other hand, Th1 cytokines restricts amastigote growth and disease progression. In this study, we report the potential of two leishmanial antigens (65 and 98?kDa, in combination) which enhance strong macrophage effector functions, viz., production of respiratory burst enzymes, nitric oxide, and Th1 cytokines. The identification of antigens were done by resolving the crude soluble antigens on SDS-PAGE and eluted by reverse staining method. Further, RAW264.7 macrophages were challenged with eluted antigens, and the innate immune response was observed by detecting respiratory burst enzymes, nitric oxide (NOx), TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12, toll-like receptors (TLRs) gene expression, and TLR-signaling proteins. These antigens increased the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, superoxide dismutase, NOx, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12, TLR2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These antigens also induced human peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation and Th1 cytokine production. This study concludes that these antigens induce innate immune response as well as have prophylactic efficacy.     

白细胞介素23在呼吸道合胞病毒感染致Th1、Th2及Th17细胞分化中的作用及机制

本研究旨在探讨白细胞介素23(interleukin 23,IL-23)在呼吸道合胞病毒(respiratory syncytial virus,RSV)感染支气管上皮细胞BEAS-2B后对Th1、Th2和Th17细胞分化的影响及作用机制。将RSV感染BEAS-2B后的上清液与淋巴细胞共孵育,并分别阻断IL-23受体(IL-23 receptor,IL-23R)、IL-23p19亚基及p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase,p38 MAPK)信号通路。应用酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测上清液中细胞因子γ干扰素(interferon γ,IFN-γ)、IL-4、IL-17的浓度。同时,应用实时聚合酶链反应(polymerase chain reaction,PCR)检测相关转录因子(t-bet、gata3、rorγt)和信号转导子(stat4、stat6、stat3)的表达。结果显示,RSV感染后IFN-γ、IL-4和IL-17蛋白表达上调,转录因子及信号转导子的表达也有所增加。阻断IL-23和p38 MAPK信号通路后,Th1、Th2和Th7细胞分泌的细胞因子及转录因子表达均明显下降。结果提示,阻断IL-23后可在基因转导层面抑制RSV感染上皮细胞后诱导的Th1、Th2和Th17细胞分化,此过程可能与p38 MAPK信号通路有关。     

Investigating the role of T helper related cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid for the differential diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in pre-treated paediatric patients

Abstract

Purpose: Given the challenge in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis (BM), we assessed different cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of antibiotics pre-treated patients.

Materials and methods: Laboratory tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed for 480 CSF samples from children (2 m to 14 y), suspicious to meningitis and pre-treated with antibiotics, to detect bacterial and viral aetiologies. Sixty-one CSF were included and the levels of 13 cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, IFN-γ and TNF-α were measured using flow-cytometry.

Results: All bacterial cultures were negative, but 29 and eight CSF were positive for bacterial and viral agents by PCR. IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ were significantly up-regulated in BM. T helper (Th) subset cytokines showed significant upregulation of Th1, Th2, Th17, Th22 and Tfh cytokines in BM. Common Th subsets cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) were significantly different between the study groups. ROC curve analysis revealed good AUC for common Th related cytokines in discriminating BM.

Conclusions: In pre-treated BM patients with negative bacterial cultures, cytokines IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ can predict BM which could be beneficial for rapid diagnosis and treatment to decrease the sequela of the disease.     

Cytokine and CXC chemokine expression patterns in aqueous humor of patients with presumed tuberculous uveitis

Aqueous humor (AH) samples from 14 patients with presumed tuberculous uveitis (PTU), and 30 control patients were assayed for the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin IL-4, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10, and the chemokines GRO-α/CXCL1, IL-8/CXCL8, MIG/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10 and SDF-1/CXCL12 with the use of a multiplex assay. Among cytokines, IL-4 and IL-12 were not detected. IL-15, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 levels in AH were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p<0.001; p=0.004; p<0.001; p<0.001; p<0.001, respectively). Among chemokines, SDF-1 levels did not differ significantly between patients and controls, whereas GRO-α, IL-8, MIG and IP-10 levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p=0.001; p<0.001; p<0.001; p<0.001, respectively). Mean GRO-α levels in AH of PTU patients were 6-fold higher than IL-8 levels and mean IP-10 levels were 15-fold higher than MIG levels. Clinical disease activity correlated significantly with the levels of IL-15, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IP-10. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between PTU and high levels of IFN-γ, IL-8, MIG and IP-10. These data suggest that both T helper (Th) Th(1) and Th(17) cells are involved in PTU and that the cytokine profile is polarized toward a Th(1) response. GRO-α and IP-10 might be involved in neutrophil and activated T lymphocyte chemoattraction in PTU, respectively.     

Th1/Th2 cytometric bead array can discriminate cytokine secretion from endogenously activated cells in pulmonary disease, recent and remote infection in tuberculosis

Differential T cell trafficking through the blood compartment towards infected foci may be occurring in different stages of tuberculosis disease and infection. The aim of the present study was to identify cytokine signatures in the blood compartment in tuberculosis patients with pulmonary disease (PTB=19), recently exposed household contacts (HC=27) and nonexposed community controls (EC=37). Diluted (1:10) whole blood was cultured for 2 days and cytokine secretion was assessed using Cytometric Bead Array (Th1/Th2 kit II; BD Biosciences) which included IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ (Type1/T1), IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 (Type2/T2). All T1/T2 cytokines were elevated in PTB (AUROC>0.9) while HC showed selective elevation of IL-6 (AUROC>0.7) compared to EC. Principal component analysis (PCA) extracted two groupings with Eigen values >1; IL-6 separated into the second component for PTB, HC and EC. After rotation, IFN-γ was correlated with the first component for PTB and EC and the second component for HC indicating an absence of T1/T2 dichotomy. Therefore endogenous cytokine signatures may indicate differential T cell trafficking in different stages of tuberculosis infection and disease.     

Direct correlation between Th1 and Th17 responses in immunity to Brucella infection

Th1 cells play a central role in immunity to brucellosis, while the exact role of Th17 cells has remained unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the peripheral distributions of Th1 and Th17 cells and serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-17A and IL-22 cytokines in brucellosis patients. One hundred patients (36 acute, 41 under-treatment and 23 relapsed) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. The frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells were determined by flow cytometric analysis. Serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-17A and IL-22 were measured by multi-analyte flow assay. Increased frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells were observed in acute and relapsed brucellosis versus under-treatment patients and healthy controls (P < 0.05). The mean serum levels of IFN-γ were significantly elevated in acute and relapsed groups compared to under-treatment patients (P = 0.002 and P = 0.01 respectively). Acute patients showed higher levels of IL-22 than under-treatment (P = 0.008). Direct correlations were found between increased frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells in acute and relapsed patients (P = 0.007 and P = 0.001 respectively) and between IL-17A and IL-22 in both groups of patients. Our findings indicate a cooperative role for Th1 and Th17 cells in immunity to brucellosis which is more evident during acute and relapse phases of brucellosis.