IL-17 Genetic and Immunophenotypic Evaluation in Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease

Abstract EN

Although interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a recently discovered cytokine associated with several autoimmune diseases, its role in the pathogenesis of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) was not established yet.

The objective of this study was to investigate the association of IL17A and IL17F genes polymorphisms and IL-17A and IL-17F levels with cGVHD.

IL-17A expression was also investigated in CD4+ T cells of patients with systemic cGVHD.

For Part I of the study, fifty-eight allo-HSCT recipients and donors were prospectively studied.

Blood samples were obtained to determine IL17A and IL17F genes polymorphisms.

Cytokines levels in blood and saliva were assessed by ELISA at days +35 and +100 after HSCT.

In Part II, for the immunophenotypic evaluation, eight patients with systemic cGVHD were selected and the expression of IL-17A was evaluated.

We found association between recipient AA genotype with systemic cGVHD.

No association was observed between IL-17A levels and cGVHD.

Lower IL-17A levels in the blood were associated with AA genotype.

In flow cytometry analysis, decreased expression of IL-17A was observed in patients with cGVHD after stimulation.

In conclusion, IL-17A may have an important role in the development of systemic cGVHD.