CCR6 defines a subset of activated memory T cells of Th17 potential in immune thrombocytopenia

In this study, we aimed to investigate the phenotype and functional char acteristics of circulating CCR6+ T cells in blood from chronic ITP patients and healthy controls. We found that the frequency of CCR6+CD4+cells was higher in ITP patients than in healthy controls. Anti ‐CD3/anti‐CD28 stimulation induced rapid expansion of CCR6+CD4+cells in ITP patients. CCR6+CD4+cells had a phenotype of activated cells and predominantly expressed CD45RO. Forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3) and CD25 ‐positive cells were exclusively detected within the CCR6+CD4+cells. In ITP patients, CCR6+ regulatory T cells (Treg) were decreased and positively correlated with platelet counts and transforming growth factor (TGF) ‐β plasma levels. In contrast to CCR6–counterparts, CCR6+CD4+cells produced higher levels of interleukin (IL) ‐17A. The frequency of CCR6+Th17 was higher in ITP patients and positively correlated with IL ‐17A levels in supernatant. Most importantly, CCR6+CD4+cell subpopulations, but not CCR6−CD4+, were closely correlated to treatment response of ITP patients. These findings suggest that circulating CCR6+CD4+cells in ITP patients have characteristics of activated memory Th17 phenotype and could be used to monitor disease activity and treatment response.
Source: Clinical and Experimental Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research