Background: Th17 is a subset of T-helper lymphocytes that produce proinflammatory cytokines, mainly IL-17. Serum IL-17 is increased in allergic patients and relates to clinical severity. Recently, it has been reported that CD161 is a highly upregulated gene in Th17 clones and all IL-17-producing cells are contained in CD161+ T cells. This study aimed at comparing the frequency of peripheral CD161+ T cells in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and in healthy controls and at relating CD161 expression with symptom severity. Methods: Forty-four patients with AR and 29 healthy non-allergic subjects were evaluated. CD161 expression was evaluated on CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells by double immunofluorescence staining and fluorescence activated cell sorter analysis. Symptom severity was assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale. Results: Allergic patients showed a significantly higher frequency of CD3+CD161+, CD4+CD161+ and CD8+CD161+ cells than healthy non-allergic subjects (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the expression of CD161 cells was significantly related to clinical severity. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that a higher frequency of CD161+ T cells is present in the peripheral blood of AR patients.

Keywords:
CD161, Th17 cells, CD3 cells, CD4 cells, CD8 cells, Allergic rhinitis
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2012
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