Potential role of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease

The etiopathology of inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） remains elusive. Accumulating evidence suggests that the abnormality of innate and adaptive immunity responses plays an important role in intestinal inflam- mation. IBD including Crohn＇s disease （CD） and ulcerative colitis （UC） is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, which is implicated in an inappropriate and overactive mucosal immune response to luminal flora. Traditionally, CD is regarded as a Thl- mediated inflammatory disorder while UC is regarded as a Th2-1ike disease. Recently, Th17 cells were identified as a new subset of T helper cells unrelated to Thl or Th2 cells, and several cytokines [e.g. interleukin （IL）-21, IL-23] are involved in regulating their activation and differentiation. They not only play an important role in host defense against extracellular pathogens, but are also associated with the development of autoimmunity and inflammatory response such as IBD. The identification of Th17 cells helps us to explain some of the anomalies seen in the Thl/Th2 axis and has broadened our understanding of the immunopathological effects of Th17 cells in the development of IBD.

Rapamycin ameliorates experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis by inhibiting Th1/Th2/Th17 cells and upregulating CD4+CD25+ Foxp3 regulatory T cells

· AIM: To determine the effects of rapamycin on experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis(EAU) and investigate of role of rapamycin on T cell subsets in the disease.·METHODS: EAU was induced in rats using peptides1169 to 1191 of the interphotoreceptor binding protein(IRBP). Rapamycin(0.2 mg/kg/d) was administrated by intraperitoneal injection for a consecutive 7d after immunization. Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines, TGF-β1, and IL-6produced by lymphocyteswere measured by ELISA, while Th17 cells and CD4 +CD25 + regulatory T cells(Tregs)from rat spleen were detected by flow cytometry.·RESULTS: Intraperitoneal treatment immediately after immunization dramatically ameliorated the clinical course of EAU. Clinical responses were associated with reduced retinal inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue destruction. Rapamycin induced suppression of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-17, IL-4, and IL-10 release from T lymphocytes of EAU rats, in vitro.Rapamycin also significantly increased TGF-β1production but had no effect on IL-6 productionof T lymphocytes from EAU rats in vitro. Furthermore,rapamycin decreased the ratio of Th17 cells/CD4 +T cells and upregulated Tregs in EAU, as detected by flow cytometry.·CONCLUSION: Rapamycin effectively interferes with T cell mediated autoimmune uveitis by inhibiting antigen-specific T cell functions and enhancing Tregs in EAU.Rapamycin is a promising new alternative as an adjunct corticosteroid-sparing agent for treating uveitis.

Correlation between circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells and Th17 cells in esophageal cancer

AIM: To perform a comprehensive investigation into the potential correlation between circulating myeloidderived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and Th17 cells in esophageal cancer (ECA). METHODS: A total of 31 patients newly diagnosed with ECA and 26 healthy subjects were included in the current study. The frequencies of MDSCs and Th17 cells in peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of cytokines, arginase 1 (Arg1) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma Arg1 were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS: There was an increased prevalence of MDSCs in the peripheral blood from ECA patients (15.21% ± 2.25%) when compared with healthy control (HC) (1.10% ± 0.12%, P < 0.0001). The plasma levels of Arg1 in ECA patients were significantly higher than those in HC (28.28 ± 4.10 ng/mL vs 9.57 ± 1.51 ng/ mL, P=0.0003). iNOS mRNA levels in the peripheral blood of ECA patients also showed a threefold increase compared with HC (P=0.0162). The frequencies of Th17 cells (CD4 + IL-17A + ) were significantly elevated in ECA patients versus HC (3.50% ± 0.33% vs 1.82% ± 0.19%, P=0.0001). Increased mRNA expression of IL-17 and ROR-γt was also observed in ECA patients compared with HC (P=0.0041 and P=0.0004, respectively), while the mRNA expression of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) showed significant decreases (P=0.0049 and P < 0.0001, respectively). No obvious correlations were found between the frequencies of MDSCs and Th17 cells in the peripheral blood from ECA patients(r=-0.1725, P=0.3534). Arg1 mRNA levels were positively correlated with levels of IL-6 (r=0.6404, P=0.0031) and TNF-α (r=0.7646, P=0.0001). Similarly, iNOS mRNA levels were also positively correlated with levels of IL-6 (r=0.6782, P=0.0007) and TNF-α (r=0.7633, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study reveals the relationship between circulating MDSCs and Th17 cells, which may lead to new immunotherapy approaches for ECA based on the associated metabolites and cytokines.

Th17 Cells and Tregs in HTLV-1 Infection

HTLV-1(human T-lymphotropic virus type 1)causes chronic infection ofhuman T lymphocytes.HTLV-1 infection is known to be related to multiple diseases,including neoplastic growth of HTLV-1-infected T cells(ATL)and neoplastic inflammatory conditions,such as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis(HAM/TSP),Sjogren's syndrome with arthritis,polymyositis uveitis,and bronchoalveolitis.Regulatory T cells(Tregs)regulate inflammatory cells,such as Th17 cells.The purpose of this study was to evaluate Tregs and Th17 cells,as well as the expression of related transcription factors(ROR-γ1 and FOXP3)and cytokines(IL-10,TGF-β,IL-6,and IL-17A)in HTLV-1 infection.

Modulating the crosstalk between macrophage and Th17: potential mechanism of natural products on acute lung injury

Sepsis is a life-threatening multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by the imbalance of the immune response to infection,featuring complex and variable conditions,and is one of the leading causes of mortality in ICU patients.Lung injury is a common organ damage observed in sepsis patients.Macrophages and Th17 cells,as crucial components of innate and adaptive immunity,play pivotal roles in the development of sepsis-induced acute lung injury(ALI).This review summarizes the alterations and mechanisms of macrophages and Th17 cells in sepsis-induced ALI.By focusing on the“cross-talk”between macrophages and Th17 cells,this review aims to provide a solid theoretical foundation for further exploring the therapeutic targets of traditional Chinese medicine formulas in the treatment of sepsis complicated with ALI,thereby offering insights and guidance for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine in managing sepsis-associated ALI.

Huoxue Tongjiang decoction-resisted reflux esophagitis by activation stem cell factor/c-kit/interstitial cell of cajal pathway and regulating the T-helper 17/regulatory T-cells balance in rats

Background:Huoxue Tongjiang decoction(HXTJD)is an effective prescription for treating reflux esophagitis(RE).We investigated the effects of HXTJD on esophageal motility and mucosal inflammation in a rat RE model.Methods:Chemical composition of HXTJD was analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry(MS).The change rates of mean contraction tension forces,mean amplitudes,and mean frequencies for the lower esophageal sphincter(LES)were recorded using the isolated tissue bath system,mechanical tension transducer,and PowerLab physiological recorder.After weighing the stomach,the phenol red labeling method was used to measure the gastric emptying rate.The LES ultrastructure was observed through transmission electron microscopy.Immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to detect the number of interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC)and the expression levels of c-kit protein,connexin43(Cx43),and stem cell factor(SCF).Flow cytometric analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted to detect the percentages of T helper 17(Th17)cells and regulatory T(Treg)cells and the serum concentrations of interleukin 6(IL-6),interleukin 17(IL-17),and interleukin 10(IL-10)in the rats.Results:We identified 28 chemical constituents in HXTJD.Regarding esophageal motility,we revealed that HXTJD increased the mean contraction tension forces,mean amplitudes,and mean frequency change rate of LES and the gastric emptying rate;decreased stomach weight;and improved the LES ultrastructure.Additionally,HXTJD increased the number of ICC-positive cells,and c-kit,Cx43,and SCF expression levels.Regarding esophageal inflammation,HXTJD significantly decreased the percentage of Th17 cells,and IL-6 and IL-17 concentrations,and increased the percentage of Treg cells and IL-10 concentration.Conclusion:HXTJD was found to be efficacious in the rat RE model.It may promote esophageal motility and alleviate the inflammatory response by activating the SCF/c-kit/ICC pathway and regulating the Th17/Treg cell balance.

microRNAs: critical regulators in Th17 cells and players in diseases

microRNAs are a novel group of small,conserved,non-coding RNA molecules that are present in all species.These molecules post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by targeting mRNAs for degradation or by repressing the translation of the mRNAs.A good understanding of miRNA-mediated gene regulation is critical to gain a comprehensive view of many physiological processes and disease states.Emerging evidence demonstrates that miRNAs play an important role in the differentiation and function of the adaptive immune system.This review provides an overview of the diverse functions of miRNAs in modulating immune responses and in immune cell development,particularly the development of Th17 cells,and explores the involvement of miRNAs in several autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis(MS),rheumatoid arthritis(RA),inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)and diabetes.

Relationship between Th17 cells and allograft rejection

Th17 cells,a special kind of auxiliary type T cells,can secrete IL-17A,IL-17F,IL-21,IL-22,etc.,as a newly discovered T-cell subset in recent years.As a different subset from the Th1 and Th2 cells,Th17 cells play an important role in the development of a variety of autoimmune diseases.A current study shows that the IL-6 inflammatory response of the organization in combination with the occurrence of TGF-β can induce the differentia-tion of Th17 cells.IL-23 can promote the production of IL17,as well as participate in amplification and main-tenance of the survival of IL-17 generating cells.In this process,STAT3 and ROR-γt are key transcription factors for the growing of Th17 cells.As our knowledge of Th17 family members is rapidly growing and changing,it will be important to specify their involvement in the induction and regulation of allograft rejection in animal models as well as in clinical settings.Herein,we review the key features of Th17 cells and discuss their potential relevance to transplantation immunity.

Mechanism of Liancao-Xieli capsule in the treatment of ulcerative colitis through the differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells

Objective:To observe the effect of Liancao-Xieli Capsule on STAT signal pathway and T cell differentiation in mouse model of ulcerative colitis;Methods:Forty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,mesalazine group and Liancao-Xieli capsule group.Except the control group,the other three groups were treated with 3%dextran sodium sulfate free drinking water to construct the model of ulcerative colitis.During the modeling period,each group was given corresponding drugs for intervention,while the control group and the model group were given the same volume of distilled water by gavage as the control.After treatment,HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue,flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of Th17 and Treg cells in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes,and ELISA was used to detect TGF-β,IL-6 and IL-17A in colon tissue.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of related proteins in STAT3/ROR-γt and STAT5/Foxp3 signaling pathways.Results:Compared with the model group,the body weight,colon length and the content of TGF-βin the colon tissue of the mice in the Liancao-Xieli capsule group increased significantly after the experiment,while the DAI score,colon histopathology score,and the contents of IL-6 and IL-17A in the colon tissue were significantly reduced,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).At the same time,Liancao-Xieli capsule can reduce the ratio of Th17 cells and the ratio of Th17/Treg in the spleen and mesenteric lymph node tissues of UC mice,and increase the ratio of Treg cells,and the difference is statistically significant when compared with the model group(P<0.01).In addition,compared with the model group,the expression levels of p-STAT3 and RORγt protein in the colon tissue of the Liancao-Xieli capsule group were significantly reduced,and the expression levels of p-STAT5 and Foxp3 protein were significantly increased after treatment,and the differences are statistically significant(P<0.01),while the expression levels of STAT3 and STAT5 proteins in colon tissue did not change significantly,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05);Conclusion:Liancao-Xieli Capsule can regulate the immune balance of Treg/Th17 and improve the intestinal inflammation of UC.Its mechanism of action is mainly through inhibiting STAT3/ROR-γt and promoting the activation of STAT5/Foxp3 signaling pathway.

Anti-inflammatory effect of miR-125a-5p on experimental optic neuritis by promoting the differentiation of Treg cells

Methylprednisolone pulse treatment is currently used fo r optic neuritis.It can speed visual recovery,but does not improve the ultimate visual outcomes.Recent studies have repo rted that miR-125 a-5 p has immunomodulatory effects on autoimmune diseases.However,it remains unclear whether miR-125 a-5 p has effects on optic neuritis.In this study,we used adeno-associated virus to overexpress or silence miR-125 a-5 p in mice.We found that silencing miR-125 a-5 p increased the latency of visual evoked potential and aggravated inflammation of the optic nerve.Ove rexpression of miR-125 a-5 p suppressed inflammation of the optic nerve,protected retinal ganglion cells,and increased the percentage of Treg cells.Our findings show that miR-125 a-5 p exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through promoting the diffe rentiation of Treg cells.

Detection and Clinical Significance of Th17/Treg Cell-Related Factors in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:To investigate the detection of Th17/Treg cell-related factors in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)and its clinical significance.Methods:In this study,a retrospective cohort research method was used to collect the clinical data of 42 patients who were hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University and received the diagnosis of GDM from January 2018 to December 2022,as well as 42 patients with normal pregnancies during the same period.The Th17/Treg expression levels and metabolism-related indexes in the peripheral blood of patients were detected by radioimmunoassay.Results:The relative expression of Th17 in the serum of patients in the GDM group was significantly higher than that of the control group,and the level of Treg was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);the levels of FBG,FINS,2hBG,TC,TG and HOMA-IR of the patients in the GDM group were significantly higher than that of the control group,and the level of HOMA-βwas significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The imbalance of the Th17/Treg cell ratio in patients with GDM may be related to their disease progression and prognosis,providing new ideas and strategies for the clinical treatment of GDM.

YTE-17 inhibits colonic carcinogenesis by resetting antitumor immune response via Wnt5a/JNK mediated metabolic signaling

The density and composition of lymphocytes infiltrating colon tumors serve as predictive factors for the clinical outcome of colon cancer.Our previous studies highlighted the potent anti-cancer properties of the principal compounds found in Garcinia yunnanensis(YTE-17),attributing these effects to the regu-lation of multiple signaling pathways.However,knowledge regarding the mechanism and effect of YTE-17 in the prevention of colorectal cancer is limited.In this study,we conducted isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification(iTRAQ)analysis on intestinal epithelial cells(IECs)exposed YTE-17,both in vitro and in vivo,revealing a significant inhibition of the Wnt family member 5a(Wnt5a)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)signaling pathway.Subsequently,we elucidated the influence and mechanism of YTE-17 on the tumor microenvironment(TME),specifically focusing on macrophage-mediated T helper 17(Th17)cell induction in a colitis-associated cancer(CAC)model with Wnt5a deletion.Additionally,we performed the single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)on the colonic tissue from the Wnt5a-deleted CAC model to characterize the composition,lineage,and functional status of immune mesenchymal cells during different stages of colorectal cancer(CRC)progression.Remarkably,our findings demon-strate a significant reduction in M2 macrophage polarization and Th17 cell phenotype upon treatment with YTE-17,leading to the restoration of regulatory T(Treg)/Th17 cell balance in azoxymethane(AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)model.Furthermore,we also confirmed that YTE-17 effectively inhibited the glycolysis of Th17 cells in both direct and indirect co-culture systems with M2 macrophages.Notably,our study shed light on potential mechanisms linking the non-canonical Wnt5a/JNK signaling pathway and well-established canonical b-catenin oncogenic pathway in vivo.Specifically,we proposed that Wnt5a/JNK signaling activity in IECs promotes the development of cancer stem cells with b-catenin activity within the TME,involving macrophages and T cells.In summary,our study undergoes the po-tential of YTE-17 as a preventive strategy against CRC development by addressing the imbalance with the immune microenvironment,thereby mitigating the risk of malignancies.

Effect of resveratrol on Treg/Th17 signaling and ulcerative colitis treatment in mice

AIM: To determine the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol on ulcerative colitis (UC) and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The mouse UC model was developed using 5% dextran sulfate sodium. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, UC model group, resveratrol low-dose group (RLD; 50 mg/kg per day), and resveratrol high-dose group (RHD; 100 mg/kg per day). RESULTS: The results showed that RLD regulates Treg/Th17 balance mainly through reducing the number of Th17 cells, whereas RHD regulates Treg/Th17 balance through both downregulating the number of Th17 cells and upregulating the number of Treg cells. Resveratrol can also regulate the level of plasma and intestinal mucosal cytokines including interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor-beta 1, IL-6, and IL-17. The expressions of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1 alpha, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 were significantly decreased in the intestinal tissues of mice treated with resveratrol. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol in UC is dose dependent and closely associated with the regulation of Treg/Th17 balance and the HIF-1 alpha/mTOR signaling pathway.

Relationship between Th17 immune response and cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and epidemiological projections predict growing cancer mortality rates in the next decades.Cancer has a close relationship with the immune system and,although Th17 cells are known to play roles in the immune response against microorganisms and in autoimmunity,studies have emphasized their roles in cancer pathogenesis.The Th17 immune response profile is involved in several types of cancer including urogenital,respiratory,gastrointestinal,and skin cancers.This type of immune response exerts pro and antitumor functions through several mechanisms,depending on the context of each tumor,including the protumor angiogenesis and exhaustion of T cells and the antitumor recruitment of T cells and neutrophils to the tumor microenvironment.Among other factors,the paradoxical behavior of Th17 cells in this setting has been attributed to its plasticity potential,which makes possible their conversion into other types of T cells such as Th17/Treg and Th17/Th1 cells.Interleukin(IL)-17 stands out among Th17-related cytokines since it modulates pathways and interacts with other cell profiles in the tumor microenvironment,which allow Th17 cells to prevail in tumors.Moreover,the IL-17 is able to mediate pro and antitumor processes that influence the development and progression of various cancers,being associated with variable clinical outcomes.The understanding of the relationship between the Th17 immune response and cancer as well as the singularities of carcinogenic processes in each type of tumor is crucial for the identification of new therapeutic targets.

Increase of peripheral Th17 lymphocytes during acute cellular rejection in liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Although many human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases were previously considered to be mediated by T helper type 1 (Th1) cells, the recently described Th17 cells play dominant roles in several of these diseases. We and others speculated that allograft rejection after organ transplantation may also involve Th17 cells. Episodes of acute rejection occur in 30% of liver transplants. This study aimed to determine the frequency of circulating Th17 cells in patients who had received liver transplants for benign end-stage liver disease and to identify any association between acute rejection episodes and levels of Th17 cells in the peripheral blood. METHODS: A prospective study compared Th17 cells from 76 consecutive benign end-stage liver disease patients who had undergone orthotopic liver transplantation from 2007 to 2011 with those from 20 age-matched healthy individuals. Peripheral blood samples were collected at different time points within one year after transplant. Blood samples and liver biopsies were also collected at the diagnosis of acute rejection. Percentages of circulating CD4+ IL-17+ cells were measured by flow cytometry The transplant patients were classified into two groups: a rejection group consisting of 17 patients who had an episode of acute rejection, and a non-rejection group comprising the remaining 59 patients with no acute rejection episodes Percentages of circulating Th17 cells were compared between the two groups and controls. RESULTS: The levels of circulating CD4+ IL-17+ T cells in the rejection group were higher during acute rejection than those in the non-rejection group (2.56±0.43% versus 1.79±0.44% P<0.001). The frequency of CD4+ IL-17+ cells in peripheral blood was positively correlated with the rejection activity index (r=0.79, P=0.0002).CONCLUSION: Circulating Th17 cells may be useful as a surrogate marker for predicting acute rejection in liver transplant recipients.

Silencing of <i>ERK2</i>with Small Interference RNA Regulates the Expression of CXCL1 in Th17 Cell

Patients with steroid-resistant asthma had their monocyte-derived TH17 cells collected. The expression levels of ERK2 in the TH17 were silenced and inhibited using ERK2 specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). By screening of CXCL1 and IL-17A in the TH17 culture supernatant, the expression levels of ERK2 and CXCL1 were determined. Using targeted siRNA to inhibit ERK2, the expression of ERK2 in the TH17 was reduced. Furthermore, inhibiting ERK2 hindered CXCL1 expression and decreased CXCL1 and IL-17A production. These findings suggest that ERK2 is involved in the synthesis of CXCL1 and IL-17A, two proteins that play a key role in the pathogenesis of hormone-resistant asthma.

Effect of saikosaponin A on Treg and Th17 immune balance in depressive rats

Objective:To investigate the Effect of saikosaponin A on Treg and Th17 immune balance in depressive rats.Methods:The rat depression model was established with reference to the Katz method,and the rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,western medicine group,and saikosaponin A group.The western medicine group was given 1.2 mg/kg/d of fluoxetine,and the saikosaponin A group was given 25 mg/kg/d of saikosaponin A,while the control group and model group were given the same volume of normal saline.The evaluation of depression in Rats was analyzed by Openfield-test and sugar water preference test.Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of Th17 and Treg cells.And the expression of IL-17,IL-23,TNF-α,IL-10,TGF-βwere detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results:Compared with the control group,the horizontal exercise score,vertical exercise score,and sugar preference of the model group decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the above indicators were significantly increased in the western medicine group and saikosaponin A group(P<0.05).Flow cytometry showed that compared with the control group,the Th17 cells,Th17/Treg cell ratio in model group increased significantly,whereas the Treg cells decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,The Th17 cells and Th17/Treg ratio in western medicine group and saikosaponin A group decreased,while the Treg cells increased significantly(P<0.05).ELISA showed that compared with control group,the serum levels of IL-17,IL-23 and TNF-αin model group increased,while the levels of IL-10 and TGF-βdecreased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the levels of IL-17,IL-23 and TNF-αdecreased,while the levels of IL-10 and TGF-βincreased in western medicine group and saikosaponin A group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Saikosaponin A can reduce the degree of depression by regulating the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in depressed rats.

Dynamic Changes of Multiple Immune Cells in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Undergoing Antiviral Treatment

Objective Various immune cells in patients with CHB have been demonstrated to play critical roles in HBV infection.The goal of this study is to observe changes in Thl7,Treg,Thl and B lymphocytes from peripheral blood and to evaluate immune status of CHB patients undergoing antiviral treatment.Methods Total of 49 CHB patients,19 asymptomatic carriers and 29 healthy donors were included in our present study.The frequencies of peripheral Thl7 cells(CD3^+CD4^+IL-17^+Tcells),Treg cells(CD3^+CD4^+CD25^+CD127^- T cells),Th1 cells(CD3^+CD4^+IFN^-γ T cells) and B lymphocytes in chronic hepatitis B(CHB) were analyzed by flow cytometry.Results The frequency of Th17 cells increased after treatment for 6 months,but there was no statistically significant difference of IL-17 expression between baseline and 6 months after treatment.The frequencies of Treg cells,momory B cells and total CD19^+B cells decreased after antiviral treatment.The frequencies of Thl cells and plasma cells increased after antiviral treatment.Conclusions This study highlights that the reestablishment of immune function during antiviral treatment in CHB patients,which caused by the antiviral drugs or the patients themselves.CHB patients may exhibit varied responses to these antiviral drugs.It is essential to supplement immune therapy during the antiviral treatment,but Th17 may play a limited role in inflammation during antiviral treatment,targeting Th17 therapy may not be useful for CHB treatment.More time and more experiments are critical to explain it.

Advances in the biological function of interleukin 38 and its study in immune diseases

IL-38 is a newly discovered anti-inflammatory cytokine that belongs to the IL-1 family's IL-36 subfa+mily.Nonetheless,recent studies have shown that it can interact with multiple receptors to impede downstream signaling pathway activation,thereby restraining the differentiation and maturation of Th17 cells.While IL-38 enhances the immunosuppressive activity of Treg by inhibiting the transformation of CD4+T cells to Th17 cells,it can also exert its immune regulatory role by binding to the corresponding IL-38 receptor on the cell surface,which in turn inhibits classical signaling pathways such as NF-κB,P38,or JNK activation.IL-38 has been shown to alleviate disease progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA),Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE),cardiovascular disease(CVD),and other diseases by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines and limiting the inflammatory response that is dependent on T cell subsets.Moreover,an increasing body of evidence suggests that IL-38 is a promising therapeutic target for these diseases.This article primarily reviews the immunological function of IL-38 and its involvement in related diseases,providing insights and theoretical support for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Predictive value of Th17 and Treg cells at baseline for HBsAg loss in chronic hepatitis B patients with low HBsAg quantification treated with pegylated interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogue

Background and aims:The primary goal of chronic hepatitis B(CHB)treatment is to reduce hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg).T helper 17(Th17)and regulatory T(Treg)cells are essential for the development of CHB.However,how Th17 and Treg cells contribute to HBsAg loss is still unknown.Therefore,this study aimed to search for the predictive value of Th17 and Treg cells for HBsAg loss in CHB patients with low HBsAg quantification.Methods:The study included 99 hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)-negative CHB patients who had completed a year of nucleos(t)ide analogue(NA)monotherapy and had received both NA and pegylated interferon(PEG-IFN)treatment for less than 96 weeks(96 wk).In the cured group,48 patients lost HBsAg within 48 wk,while 51 patients did not(uncured group).Blood samples and clinical data were collected for research.Results:During PEG-IFN and NA combination therapy,the proportion of Th17 cells in the cured group increased significantly,while the proportion of Treg cells in the uncured group increased.From 0 to 24 wk,the proportion of Th17 cells in the cured group was significantly higher than in the uncured group,while the opposite was true for Treg cells.Patients with alanine aminotransferase(ALT)2.5 upper limit of normal(ULN)at 12 wk had a higher proportion of Th17 cells and a lower proportion of Treg cells than those with ALT<2.5 ULN at 12 wk.Additionally,the proportion of Th17 cells is inversely associated with the level of HBsAg,whereas the level of Treg cells is positively related to HBsAg quantification.The clinical cure index,including age,HBsAg quantification,and the proportions of Th17 and Treg cells,had a higher area under the curve(0.957)for predicting HBsAg loss when compared to the proportions of Th17 and Treg cells and HBsAg quantification alone.Conclusions:Combined with quantification of HBsAg,the proportions of Th17 cells and Treg cells at baseline can be used as good predictors of HBsAg loss in patients with low HBsAg quantification treated with NA and PEG-IFN.