Th1/17 cells, a subset of Th17 cells, are expanded in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus

Skewed cytokine production characterizes T cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Among Th17 cells that are expanded in lupus, a subset (Th1/17) retains the ability to produce IFN gamma. We aimed to analyze Th17 and Th1/17 cells in patients with SLE. Patients with active disease displayed increased percentages of circulating Th17 and Th1/17 cells. Stimulated T cells from patients with lupus secreted significantly more IL-17 compared to healthy donors. Also, T cells from patients with active SLE released significantly lower levels of IFN-gamma compared to controls. However, following stimulation, levels of IFN-gamma also rose significantly. Our data suggest that lupus Th1/17 cells are not only expanded but also functional. In summary, in this study it was shown that patients with active SLE display increased Th17 and functional Th1/17 cells. This impaired T-cell axis might represent a possible future therapeutic target.