The Th17 pathway in cystic fibrosis lung disease.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by bronchoalveolar neutrophilia and submucosal lymphocytosis. We hypothesized that Th17 lymphocytes are part of this submucosal infiltrate.

Objectives

Quantification and phenotyping of the lymphocytic infiltrate in the bronchial submucosa of patients with CF (n = 53, of which 20 were newly diagnosed), non-CF bronchiectasis (n = 17), and healthy control subjects (n = 13).

Methods

We measured IL-17 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage and CD4(+), CD8(+), and IL-17(+) cell counts in endobronchial biopsies. Correlations were made with infection status and other inflammatory markers. Potential cellular sources of IL-17 were determined by double staining.

Measurements and main results

IL-17(+) cell counts (median [interquar

SUBMITTER: Tan HL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3381840 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature