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Th17 cell counts higher in serum of patients with SLE vs. healthy controls
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were shown to have higher levels of T helper 17 cells than healthy controls, according to study findings.
A cohort of 48 women diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on American College of Rheumatology criteria were enrolled in the study. Disease activity was measured according to the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). Laboratory testing included analysis of proteinuria, anti-DNA and C3/C4 concentrations, and complete blood cell counts.
Patients with SLE were age- and sex-matched to 48 healthy control participants. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells was isolated from blood samples and CD4 T cells were purified and analyzed with flow cytometry.
Higher frequencies of Th17 cells were seen in patients with SLE (3.51) and lupus nephritis (3.92) than in healthy controls (2.83). A positive, linear correlation was seen in the frequency of Th17 cells and SLEDAI scores and between Th17 cell frequency and proteinuria levels. However, no differences in Th1 cells were seen between the groups, and no other laboratory correlations were found, according to the researchers.
The researchers concluded that the increase in Th17 frequency in SLE patients and other correlations suggests targeting Th/17/IL-17 may have therapeutic benefits in SLE patients by selectively blocking Th17/IL-17. – by Shirley Pulawski
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.