The pro-inflammatory potential of T cells in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND: T cells are important to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease progression. This study determined the pro-inflammatory potential of T cells within the rare condition juvenile-onset SLE (JSLE). METHOD: IL-17A and Th1/Th2-related cytokine concentrations were measured in plasma/serum from JSLE patients (n = 19, n = 11) and HC (n = 18, n = 7). IL17A, RORC, IL23 and IL23R mRNA were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from JSLE and healthy controls (HC) (n = 12). Th17-associated cytokine expression was analysed in the supernatant of CD3/CD28 activated JSLE (n = 7) and HC (n = 6) PBMCs. RESULTS: JSLE plasma IL-17A level (21.5 ± 5.2 pg/ml) was higher compared to HC (7.2 ± 2.5 pg/ml, p = 0.028). No differences were found in Th1/Th2 cytokines levels. IL = 17A (p = 0.022), IL-6 (p = 0.028) and IL-21 (p = 0.003) concentrations were increased in supernatants from activated JSLE PBMCs. IL-17 F (p = 0.50) and IL-22 (p = 0.43) were also increased but were not statistically significant. IL17A and IL23 mRNA was significantly higher in JSLE PBMCs (p = 0.018 and p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: JSLE T cells have an increased ability to secrete Th17 associated cytokines once activated, which could contribute to the pro-inflammatory disease phenotype seen in these patients.