학술논문
Interleukin-17A+ Cell Counts Are Increased in Systemic Sclerosis Skin and Their Number Is Inversely Correlated With the Extent of Skin Involvement
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Source
Arthritis & Rheumatism. May 01, 2013 65(5):1347-1356
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
0004-3591
Abstract
OBJECTIVE.: METHODS.: RESULTS.: IL-17A+ cells were significantly more numerous in SSc skin than in healthy control skin (P = 0.0019) and were observed to be present in both the superficial and deep dermis. Involvement of both T cells and tryptase-positive mast cells in the production of IL-17A was observed. Fibroblasts positive for α-SMA were found adjacent to IL-17A+ cells, but not IL-4+ cells. However, IL-17A did not induce α-SMA expression in cultured fibroblasts. In the presence of IL-17A, the α-SMA expression induced in response to transforming growth factor β was decreased, while MMP-1 production was directly enhanced. Furthermore, the frequency of IL-17A+ cells was higher in the skin of SSc patients with greater severity of skin fibrosis (lower global skin thickness score). CONCLUSION.