Transcriptional signature of human pro-inflammatory T(H)17 cells identifies reduced IL10 gene expression in multiple sclerosis

• We have previously reported the molecular signature of murine pathogenic T(H)17 cells that induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in animals. Here we show that human peripheral blood IFN-gamma(+) IL-17(+) (T(H)1/17) and IFN-gamma(-)-IL-17(+) (T(H)17) CD4(+) T cells display distinct transcriptional profiles in high-throughput transcription analyses. Compared to T(H)17 cells, T(H)1/17 cells have gene signatures with marked similarity to mouse pathogenic T(H)17 cells. Assessing 15 representative signature genes in patients with multiple sclerosis, we find that T(H)1/17 cells have elevated expression of CXCR3 and reduced expression of IFNG, CCL3, CLL4, GZMB, and IL10 compared to healthy controls. Moreover, higher expression of IL10 in T(H)17 cells is found in clinically stable vs. active patients. Our results define the molecular signature of human pro-inflammatory T(H)17 cells, which can be used to both identify pathogenic T(H)17 cells and to measure the effect of treatment on T(H)17 cells in human autoimmune diseases.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Reumatologi och inflammation (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Rheumatology and Autoimmunity (hsv//eng)

Keyword

experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

set enrichment analysis

central-nervous-system

hyper-ige syndrome

th17 cells

ifn-gamma

t-cells

disease

bet

induction

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)