Decrease in circulating Th17 cells correlates with increased levels of CCL17, IgE and eosinophils in atopic dermatitis

作者：Hayashida Sayaka^*; Uchi Hiroshi; Moroi Yoichi; Furue Masutaka

来源：Journal of Dermatological Science, 2011, 61(3): 180-186.

DOI：10.1016/j.jdermsci.2010.10.013

• Atopic dermatitis
• T cell subsets
• Eosinophilia
• IgE
• CCL17

Background: Clinical significance of circulating CD4(+) T cell subsets, including T-helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells, in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) remains unclear. No previous studies have simultaneously evaluated the four T cell subset profiles in AD.
Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore whether the percentage of these four subsets of CD4(+) T cells correlate to the severity parameters of AD patients.
Methods: Intracellular expression of interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17 and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) in CD4(+) T cells was evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal controls and patient with AD as well as with chronic eczema using a flow cytometer. Serum CCL17 levels were measured as an objective severity parameter of AD together with percentage of eosinophils and serum IgE levels.
Results: In AD patients, the number of Th1 (IFN-gamma(+)) and Th17 (IL-17(+)) subsets was significantly decreased, but that of Th2 (IL-4(+)) and Treg (Foxp3(+)) subsets was similar to that of normal controls. The T cell subset profiles of patients with chronic eczema were not different with those of normal controls. The frequency of Th17cells, particularly that of the IFN-gamma(nega)IL-17(+) subset, showed a significant negative correlation with CCL17, IgE and eosinophil levels in AD patients. This was, however, not the case in Th1, Th2 and Treg cells.
Conclusion: Decreased circulating Th17 cells might contribute to activity of AD.

• 出版日期2011-3