IL-17 A expression negatively correlates with γδ T-Cell density in human psoriasis lesions: a novel implication for disease pathogenesis.

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis, an inflammatory autoimmune disease, arises from intricate interactions between the immune system and epithelium. Recent reports have suggested new roles for gamma delta (γδ) T-cells in addition to immune surveillance, however, it remains to be determined whether the mechanisms identified in psoriasis murine models have a similar role in humans. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between IL-17 A mRNA expression levels and γδ T-cell frequency in human psoriatic lesions, and to clarify the potential role of γδ T-cells in psoriasis pathogenesis.

Methods: The study involved 20 patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 16 control subjects. Expression of the IL-17 A gene was measured in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues by RT-PCR method. TCRγδ⁺ immunofluorescence staining was performed to measure the distribution of γδ T-cells in the same samples.

Results: In psoriatic lesion biopsies, TCRγδ⁺ T-cell percentage was found higher than the control samples. Additionally, psoriasis patients exhibited elevated levels of IL-17 A gene expression. In addition, this study showed a weak negative correlation between the proportion of γδ T-cells and IL-17 A mRNA expression in psoriatic skin samples.

Conclusion: A weak negative correlation between IL-17 A mRNA levels and γδ T-cell presence in human psoriasis lesions highlighting the novel effector functions of these cells in psoriasis pathogenesis.