Expression Of Plasma IL-22and Analysis Of Its Correlation With IL-22~+T Helper Cell Subsets In New-onset SLE Patients

Objective To investigate the role of plasma interleukin-22(IL-22) in the pathogenesis of new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its relationship with peripheral IL-22-producing T helper cells (Th1, Th17and Th22).Methods Plasma levels of IL-22were measured in41SLE patients (19new-onset and22relapsing patients) and20healthy controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Meanwhile, the percentages of CD4+IFN-γ+(Thl), CD4+IL-17+(Th17) and CD4+IFN-γ-IL-17-IL-22+(Th22) cells in peripheral lymphocytes were determined by flow cytometry in19new-onset SLE patients.Results Plasma IL-22levels in new-onset SLE patients were significantly decreased compared to relapsing SLE patients and healthy controls. In addition, plasma IL-22levels in relapsing SLE patients were also lower than those in healthy controls. After treatment with prednisone and hydroxychloroquine, the levels of plasma IL-22in new-onset SLE patients were obviously increased but still lower than healthy controls. There was a positive correlation between plasma IL-22levels and the percentages of Th22cells but not Thl and Th17cells. Moreover, plasma IL-22levels as well as peripheral Th17and Th22cells, but not Thl cells correlated with SLEDAI scores and ESR. Conclusion Decreased plasma IL-22levels and correlation with Th22cells may be distinct features in new-onset SLE.They may be new indicators to assess SLE disease activity.