Imbalance between Th17 and regulatory T-Cells in sarcoidosis

Int J Mol Sci. 2013 Oct 30;14(11):21463-73. doi: 10.3390/ijms141121463.

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease, which is thought to result from an aberrant immune response. CD4+ T lymphocytes play an important role in the development of granulomas. Previously, the immunopathogenesis of sarcoidosis was focused on Th1/Th2 disturbances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the balance between newer CD4+ T lymphocytes, i.e., Treg and Th17 cells. In our studies, a decrease in Treg cells and an increase in Th17 cells were observed in the peripheral blood and BALF of sarcoidosis patients. A significant increase in the Th17/Treg cell ratio was observed in sarcoidosis patients. After treatment with prednisone, the expression of Foxp3 mRNA was elevated in the peripheral blood, and expression of (ROR)γt mRNA showed a downward trend. These findings suggest that sarcoidosis is associated with an imbalance between Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood and BALF. Therefore, targeting the cytokines that affect the Th17/Treg ratio could provide a new promising therapy for pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / blood
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
  • Humans
  • Prednisone / administration & dosage
  • Sarcoidosis / immunology*
  • Sarcoidosis / metabolism
  • Sarcoidosis / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Th1-Th2 Balance
  • Th17 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Prednisone