IL-17-producing CD4−CD8− T cells are expanded in the peripheral blood, infiltrate salivary glands and are resistant to corticosteroids in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Issue 2 (17th August 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alunno, Alessia; Bistoni, Onelia; Bartoloni, Elena; Caterbi, Sara; Bigerna, Barbara; Tabarrini, Alessia; Mannucci, Roberta; Falini, Brunangelo; Gerli, Roberto
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 72:Issue 2(2013)
• Page Start: 286
• Page End: 292
• Publication Date: 2012-08-17
• Subjects: Sjögren's Syndrome -- T Cells -- Corticosteroids; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-201511
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: It has been recently observed that a T-cell subset, lacking of both CD4 and CD8 molecules and defined as double negative (DN), is expanded in the blood of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, produces IL-17 and accumulates in the kidney during nephritis. Since IL-17 production is enhanced in salivary gland infiltrates of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients, we investigated whether DN T cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of salivary gland damage. Methods: Phenotypic characterisation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from SS patients and controls was performed by flow cytometry in freshly isolated and anti-CD3-stimulated cells. SS minor salivary glands were processed for immunofluorescence staining. Results: CD3 + CD4 − CD8 − DN T cells were major producers of IL-17 in SS and expressed ROR-γt. They were expanded in the peripheral blood, spontaneously produced IL-17 and infiltrated salivary glands. In addition, the expansion of αβ-TCR + DN T cells was associated with disease activity. Notably, IL-17-producing DN T cells from SS patients, but not from healthy controls, were strongly resistant to the in vitro effect of dexamethasone. Conclusions: These findings appear to be of great interest since the identification of a peculiar T-cell subset with pro-inflammatory activity, but resistant to corticosteroids, in an autoimmune disorder such as SS may help to design new specific treatments for the disease.