Th17 polarization of memory Th cells in early arthritis: the vasoactive intestinal peptide effect

Several studies in humans indicate the implication of Th17 cells in RA. Therapies targeting their pathogenicity, as well as their plasticity to the Th17/1 phenotype, could ameliorate the progression of the pathology. The neuroendocrine environment has a major impact on the differentiation of lymphoid cells. VIP is present in the microenvironment of the joint, and its known therapeutic effects are supported by several studies on RA. We examine the ability of VIP to modulate the differentiation of Th17 cells. Peripheral blood CD4(+)CD45RO(+) T cells from HD and eRA patients were expanded under Th17-polarizing conditions in the presence of TGF-β. After 7 days, the higher IL-17A, IL-21, and IL-9 levels and lower IL-22 levels indicate the nonpathogenic profile for Th17 cells in HD. In contrast, Th17 cells from eRA patients produced significantly more IL-22 and IFN-γ, and these cells show a more Th17/1 profile, indicating a pathogenic phenotype. Interestingly, when VIP was present in the Th17 conditioned medium, increased levels of IL-10 and IL-9 were detected in HD and eRA patients. VIP also reduced the levels of IL-22 in eRA patients. These data suggest that VIP reduces the pathogenic profile of the Th17-polarized cells. This effect was accompanied by an increased in the Treg/Th17 profile, as shown by the increase levels of Foxp3. In conclusion, this report addresses a novel and interesting question on the effect of VIP on human Th17 cells and adds clinical relevance by analyzing, in parallel, HD and eRA patients.