Abstract
Background. Biphasic cellular immune reaction which follows inhalation of allergen is the specific feature of allergic inflammation. Therefore, Th17 cells and IL-17 may have played a role in the development of the late-phase asthmatic response in patients with allergic asthma.
Objectives. To evaluate the percentage of Th17 cells in peripheral blood (PB) and serum IL-17 levels in patients with D. pteronyssinus-induced late-phase asthmatic response.
Methods. We studied 28 patients with allergic asthma who developed early-phase asthmatic response (EAR) (n=16) and late-phase asthmatic response (LAR) (n=12) after bronchial challenge with D. pteronyssinus. The control group included 10 healthy subjects (HS). PB collection was performed 24 h before as well as 7 h and 24 h after challenge. The percentage of Th17 cells was analyzed by FACS. Serum IL-17 levels were determined by ELISA.
Results.
Conclusions. D. pteronyssinus-induced late-phase asthmatic response in patients with allergic asthma is associated with increased percentage of Th17 cells in PB and elevated serum IL-17 levels.
- © 2012 ERS