Peripheral Th-17 cells in allergic rhinitis: New evidence

Background: Th17 is a subset of T helper lymphocytes exerting inflammatory activities. Recently, it has been reported that serum IL-17 levels are high in patients with severe birch allergy. Aim of the study: It was to compare the cytokine profile and the frequency of peripheral allergen-specific T helper producing IL-17 in patients with allergic rhinitis. Methods: Twelve patients with persistent allergic rhinitis due to pollens and 5 healthy non-allergic subjects were evaluated during the pollen season. Th17 were evaluated by intracellular staining in T cell compartment ex-vivo and after short activation by allergens and control antigens. Results: Ex-vivo PBMNC evaluation showed that allergic patients had higher frequencies of IL-17 producing T cells. Functional analysis after antigen-specific CD4+ T cell expansion demonstrated that allergic patients had higher frequencies of IL-17 producing T cells than normal subjects. Conclusion: This preliminary study contributes to the knowledge concerning the possible role of Th-17 cells in the response to allergens. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.