title: Increased frequencies of Th17 and Th22 cells in the peripheral blood of patients with secondary syphilis.
abstract: T-helper (Th) 17 and the more recently identified Th22 cells are of great importance in host defense against pathogens, but can also be responsible for chronic inflammatory disorders. However, the roles of the two cell subsets in syphilis remain elusive. In this study, we show that the frequencies of Th17 and Th22 cells are significantly increased in the peripheral blood of patients with secondary syphilis (SS). A significant positive correlation is observed between Th17 and Th22 cells, whereas a negative correlation exists between Th17 and Th1 cells. Moreover, the frequency of Th17 cells has a significant positive correlation with the plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) or IL-1β levels, and the frequency of Th22 cells is positively correlated with the IL-6 or IL-23 levels. Finally, the elevated frequencies of Th17 and Th22 cells are positively associated with plasma C-reactive protein levels. Our results suggest that Th17 and Th22 cells may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the SS.
authors: Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, China.
authors: Anyou
authors: A
authors: Zhu
authors: Hongfang
authors: H
authors: Han
authors: Hao
authors: H
authors: Zhao
authors: Jianguo
authors: J
authors: Hu
authors: Congjun
authors: C
authors: Jiang
authors: Fang
authors: F
authors: Xie
authors: Fengchao
authors: F
authors: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001769:Blood / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053583:Interleukin-1beta / Q000097:blood; D053759:Interleukin-23 / Q000097:blood; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013587:Syphilis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D053583:Interleukin-1beta; D053759:Interleukin-23; D015850:Interleukin-6