IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-22⁺ CD4⁺ subset in patients with hepatitis C virus and correlation with clinical factor

CD4⁺ T cell responses in HCV infection have a crucial role in the immunopathology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Our aim was to investigate the frequency of Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells in HCV-infected patients and elucidate their role in the progression of the disease.

Twenty-six HCV-infected patients and 26 healthy individuals were recruited. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stained to separate CD4, IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-22 producing cells using flow cytometry.

Results showed that the mean expression of IL-22 in CD4⁺ T cells was significantly lower in HCV-infected patients compared to healthy controls. About correlation with clinical factor and T subsets, a negative correlation between the frequency of CD4⁺ IFN-γ⁺ cells and Thyroxine level (T4) was observed in the patients. The data showed a positive link between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), cholesterol levels, and the frequency of Th17 cells. In addition, a positive correlation was seen between serum creatinine level with both Th1 and Th17. Ultimately, it was found that there was a positive link between viral burden and IL-17⁺ IL-22⁺ cells and a negative correlation between viral load and pure Th22.

Our findings indicate that Th22 cells may play a part in the immunopathology of HCV and show the associations between Thelper subsets and the clinical signs of the disease.