Skewed cytokine production characterizes T cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Among Th17 cells that are expanded in lupus, a subset (Th1/17) retains the ability to produce IFNγ.

We aimed to analyze Th17 and Th1/17 cells in patients with SLE. Patients with active disease displayed increased percentages of circulating Τh17 and Th1/17 cells. Stimulated T cells from patients with lupus secreted significantly more IL-17 compared to healthy donors.

Also, T cells from patients with active SLE released significantly lower levels of IFN-γ compared to controls. However, following stimulation, levels of IFN-γ also rose significantly. Our data suggest that lupus Th1/17 cells are not only expanded but also functional.

In summary, in this study it was shown that patients with active SLE display increased Th17 and functional Th1/17 cells. This impaired T-cell axis might represent a possible future therapeutic target.

偏斜的细胞因子产生是系统性红斑狼疮（SLE）中T细胞的特征。在狼疮中扩增的Th17细胞中，子集（Th1 / 17）保留产生IFNγ的能力。

我们旨在分析SLE患者的Th17和Th1 / 17细胞。患有活动性疾病的患者显示出循环的Thh17和Th1 / 17细胞的百分比增加。与健康的供体相比，狼疮患者的刺激性T细胞分泌的IL-17明显更多。

此外，与对照组相比，活动性SLE患者的T细胞释放的IFN-γ水平明显降低。然而，在刺激后，IFN-γ的水平也显着上升。我们的数据表明狼疮Th1 / 17细胞不仅可以扩展，而且可以发挥功能。

总而言之，在这项研究中，显示活动性SLE表现的患者Th17和功能性Th1 / 17细胞增加。这个受损的T细胞轴可能代表了未来可能的治疗靶标。