Th17/Th1 phenotype in demyelinating disease.

BACKGROUND

Th17 cells are thought to contribute to the immunopathology of allergic and autoimmune conditions. Their role in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology remains to be fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

To assess peripheral blood Th17 responses in patients with MS compared to controls.

METHODS

We isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 41 MS patients and 23 healthy controls, which were then stimulated using phorbol ester and ionomycin, labelled for CD3, CD8, CD154, IL-17 and IFN-gamma and analysed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Minimal IL-17 was detectable in unstimulated cells. Following stimulation with phorbol ester and ionomycin, PBMCs taken from MS patients in relapse developed a more inflammatory profile than those taken from controls or non-relapse patients, with greater expression of CD154, IL-17 and dual expression of IL-17/IFN-gamma.

CONCLUSION

We suggest a greater tendency to Th17 and Th1/Th17 response to non-specific stimulation in MS patients in relapse compared to controls and non-relapse patients.