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Updated: May 15, 2026
Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
Interleukin-17A and interleukin-23 in morphea
Aleksandra Dańczak-Pazdrowska1, Michał Kowalczyk, Beata Szramka-Pawlak
1Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
Introduction:
Morphea is a disease included in the group of scleroderma type autoimmune diseases. Interleukin (IL)-17A may play a role at every stage of its pathogenesis. The study aimed at evaluation of IL-17A and IL-23 (as the main cytokine which is supposed to stimulate and maintain synthesis of IL-17) in pathogenesis of morphea.
Material And Methods:
The studies were performed on 41 blood samples from patients with morphea. Skin was sampled from 29 patients. The evaluation included: (1) expression of IL-17A and IL-23 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), (2) plasma concentrations of IL-17A and IL-23 using ELISA, (3) expression of IL-17A and IL-23 genes in skin using real-time PCR.
Results:
The results of gene expression are expressed as median number of copies per million copies of GAPDH. Higher expression of IL-17A has been demonstrated in PBMC of morphea vs. control group (2630 and 1906 respectively; p = 0.004), accompanied by absence of significant differences in its plasma concentration (10 pg/ml in both groups) and by lowered expression in affected skin (9119 and 19113 respectively; p = 0.036). The results failed to demonstrate elevated IL-23 plasma concentration in morphea vs. control group (5 pg/ml and 6 pg/ml respectively; p = 0.335) or its increased expression in the skin (292 vs. 427; p = 0.383), although we noted its increased expression in PBMC (4419 vs. 808; p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
BASED ON THE OBSERVED CORRELATIONS WE SUGGEST THAT: (1) IL-17A does not represent a factor which promotes tissue injury in morphea, (2) IL-23 may playa role in pathogenesis of morphea.
Insights
Interleukin-23 (IL-23) may play a role in morphea pathogenesis, while Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is elevated, but not in affected skin. Further research is needed to clarify IL-17A
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Morphea is a scleroderma-spectrum autoimmune disease.
- Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions.
- The role of IL-17A and IL-23 in morphea pathogenesis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the expression and concentration of IL-17A and IL-23 in morphea.
- To determine the potential role of IL-17A and IL-23 in the pathogenesis of morphea.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 41 blood samples and 29 skin samples from morphea patients.
- Quantification of IL-17A and IL-23 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and skin using real-time PCR.
- Measurement of plasma concentrations of IL-17A and IL-23 using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Elevated IL-17A gene expression was observed in PBMCs of morphea patients compared to controls.
- No significant difference in plasma IL-17A concentrations was found between morphea patients and controls.
- Lowered IL-17A gene expression was detected in the affected skin of morphea patients.
- Elevated IL-23 gene expression was noted in PBMCs of morphea patients.
- No significant differences in plasma IL-23 concentrations or skin expression were observed.
Conclusions:
- IL-17A may not directly promote tissue injury in morphea.
- IL-23 appears to play a role in the pathogenesis of morphea.
