Increased memory Th17 cells in patients with neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis

J Neuroimmunol. 2011 May;234(1-2):155-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2011.03.009. Epub 2011 Apr 12.

Abstract

Object: To investigate the clinical relevance of memory Th17 cells in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) or multiple sclerosis (MS).

Patients and methods: The proportion of peripheral memory Th17 cells was determined by flow cytometry. Sera IL-17A and IL-23 levels were detected by ELISA kits.

Results: Memory Th17 proportion and IL-17A level were much higher in patients with NMO or MS and were related to clinical features. After high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) therapy, memory Th17 proportion and IL-17A and IL-23 levels were decreased.

Conclusions: Memory Th17 is related to the development and relapse of NMO and MS, and IVMP can inhibit memory Th17.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry / methods
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-23 / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology*
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / pathology*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Th17 Cells / pathology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukin-23