IL ‐23 Activated γδ T Cells Affect Th17 Cells and Regulatory T Cells by Secreting IL‐21 in Children with Primary Nephrotic Syndrome

This study (1) analysed the percentage of γδ T cells, γδ T cell subsets, Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and (2) determined the role of IL‐23 in primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) patients with active disease and in remission. Eighty‐four patients with PNS and 51 healthy age‐matched controls were included in this study. The percentage of γδ T cells, γδ T cell subsets, Th17 cells and Treg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analysed by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. PMBCs from PNS patients with active disease were cultured in the presence of IL‐23, IL‐23 and an IL‐23 antagonist, or IL23 and an anti‐IL‐21 monoclonal antibody (mAb). The percentage of γδ T cells, IL‐23R+ γδ T cells and IL‐17+ γδ T cells were significantly increased in PNS patients with active disease. There was a positive correlation between the percentage of γδ T cells, IL‐23R+ γδ T cells, IL‐17+ γδ T cells and the Th17/Treg ratio. IL‐23 increased the percentage of γδ T cells and Th17 cells and decreased the percentage of Treg cells in PBMCs isolated from PNS patients with active disease. Anti‐IL‐21 mAb reduced the percentage of γδ T cells and Th17 cells, but increased the percentage of Treg cells. γδ T cells, IL‐17+ γδ T cells and IL‐23R+ γδ T cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of paediatric PNS by modulating the balance of Th17/Treg cells. γδ T cells may cause an imbalance in Th17/Treg cells by se...
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Human Immunology Source Type: research