title: Balance between regulatory T and Th17 cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: the old and the new.
abstract: Pathogenic mechanisms underlying the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are very complex and not yet entirely clarified. However, the pivotal role of T lymphocytes in the induction and perpetuation of aberrant immune response is well established. Among T cells, IL-17 producing T helper (Th17) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells represent an intriguing issue to be addressed in SLE pathogenesis, since an imbalance between the two subsets has been observed in the course of the disease. Treg cells appear to be impaired and therefore unable to counteract autoreactive T lymphocytes. Conversely, Th17 cells accumulate in target organs contributing to local IL-17 production and eventually tissue damage. In this setting, targeting Treg/Th17 balance for therapeutic purposes may represent an intriguing and useful tool for SLE treatment in the next future. In this paper, the current knowledge about Treg and Th17 cells interplay in SLE will be discussed.
authors: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Via Enrico dal Pozzo, 06122 Perugia, Italy.
authors: Alessia
authors: A
authors: Alunno
authors: Elena
authors: E
authors: Bartoloni
authors: Onelia
authors: O
authors: Bistoni
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Nocentini
authors: Simona
authors: S
authors: Ronchetti
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Caterbi
authors: Valentina
authors: V
authors: Valentini
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Riccardi
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Gerli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*; D058504:Th17 Cells / Q000276:immunology*