Th22 cells represent a distinct human T cell subset involved in epidermal immunity and remodeling

J Clin Invest. 2009 Dec;119(12):3573-85. doi: 10.1172/JCI40202. Epub 2009 Nov 16.

Abstract

Th subsets are defined according to their production of lineage-indicating cytokines and functions. In this study, we have identified a subset of human Th cells that infiltrates the epidermis in individuals with inflammatory skin disorders and is characterized by the secretion of IL-22 and TNF-alpha, but not IFN-gamma, IL-4, or IL-17. In analogy to the Th17 subset, cells with this cytokine profile have been named the Th22 subset. Th22 clones derived from patients with psoriasis were stable in culture and exhibited a transcriptome profile clearly separate from those of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells; it included genes encoding proteins involved in tissue remodeling, such as FGFs, and chemokines involved in angiogenesis and fibrosis. Primary human keratinocytes exposed to Th22 supernatants expressed a transcriptome response profile that included genes involved in innate immune pathways and the induction and modulation of adaptive immunity. These proinflammatory Th22 responses were synergistically dependent on IL-22 and TNF-alpha. Furthermore, Th22 supernatants enhanced wound healing in an in vitro injury model, which was exclusively dependent on IL-22. In conclusion, the human Th22 subset may represent a separate T cell subset with a distinct identity with respect to gene expression and function, present within the epidermal layer in inflammatory skin diseases. Future strategies directed against the Th22 subset may be of value in chronic inflammatory skin disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clone Cells
  • Dermatitis / genetics
  • Dermatitis / immunology
  • Dermatitis / pathology
  • Epidermal Cells*
  • Epidermis / immunology*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-22
  • Interleukin-4 / metabolism
  • Interleukins / genetics
  • Interleukins / metabolism*
  • Keratinocytes / immunology
  • Psoriasis / genetics
  • Psoriasis / immunology
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • Receptors, CCR10 / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism
  • Wound Healing / genetics
  • Wound Healing / immunology

Substances

  • CCR10 protein, human
  • IL4 protein, human
  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukins
  • Receptors, CCR10
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma