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Human Th17 pro-inflammatory cells are currently defined as cells that produce IL-17A and F, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, IL-6, IL-21, IL-22 and IL-23. Recently discovered related molecules are forming a family of cytokines, the IL-17 family, IL-17A, IL-17B, IL-17C, IL-17D, IL-17E and IL-17F . The associated receptors for the IL-17 family identified are IL-17R, IL-17RH1, IL-17RL (receptor like), IL-17RD and IL-17RE. This review introduces the roles of IL-17 and Th17 cells in human autoimmune diseases. Studies have shown that T cells with inflammatory effects on epithelial, endothelial and fibroblast cells express IL-17. Th17 cells are supposed to be involved in various autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Base on the biologic functions and regulation, IL-17 has regulatory roles in host defense and chronic inflammation which result in tissue damage and autoimmunity. So the IL-17 links links innate and adaptive immunity and has both beneficial and pathological effects on the immune system. This paper will focus on the possible roles of IL-17 in autoimmune diseases, a fundamental player in immune regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a diverse group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas with malignant T lymphocytes infiltrating the skin. Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) belong to the group of CTCLs, among others. In previous studies it was suggested that primary cancers more often occur in patients with cutaneous lymphoma. Aim: To analyse the incidence of other malignancies in CTCL patients. Material and methods: The evaluation of the coexistence of primary malignant neoplasms in CTCL patients was conducted by analysis of the patients' database, with diagnosis of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, treated in the Dermatological Department of the Medical University of Gdansk between 2010 and 2018. Results: Among CTCL patients, 177 were diagnosed with MF/SS (stage MFIA 37.61%, MFIB 30.77%, MFIIA 0.85%, MFIIB 11.11%, MFIII 8.55% MFIV 4.27%; SS 6.84%). The group was characterized by a male-to-female ratio of 1.21: 1. 16.94% of MF/SS patients had one co-existing cancer, while 1.13% of patients had 2 co-existing cancers; the most common were basal cell carcinoma, lymphomatoid papulosis, lung cancer, and B-cell lymphoma. The obtained data highlight that MF/SS is associated with increased risk of cancer. Conclusions: Our study suggests that special attention should be paid to careful examination of CTCL patients - what force to perform solid clinical examination, the X-ray chest examination, abdomen USG, mammography, and others, even in early stages of MF/SS. Clinicians should be aware of the coexistence of other neoplasms such as lung, skin, and breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. AD affects 10--20% of children worldwide and persists into adulthood in a minority of cases, affecting approximately 2--3% of the adult population, with an increased prevalence over the past decades in developed countries. Atopy is a genetic tendency to overproduce IgE class antibodies in response to common antigens found in the environment. Concurrence of different atopy such as allergic rhinitis or asthma in children with AD is estimated at 80%. AD is characterized by a vicious cycle of an allergic immune response. The emerging picture of the AD is a complex disorder with barrier dysfunction, immunological, genetic and environmental factors all playing key roles. Patients with severe or persistent disease and their families experience significant impairment in their quality of life, and in addition, AD places a heavy economic burden on society as a whole. Pathogenesis, the role of the epidermal barrier, mechanisms of cells apoptosis, the role of T cells and cytokines in AD are discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated skin disease affecting about 2% of the world's population. According to current knowledge, psoriasis is a complex disease that involves various genes and environmental factors, such as stress, injuries, infections and certain medications. The chronic inflammation of psoriasis lesions develops upon epidermal infiltration, activation, and expansion of type 1 and type 17 Th cells. Despite the enormous progress in understanding the mechanisms that cause psoriasis, the target cells and antigens that drive pathogenic T cell responses in psoriatic lesions are still unproven and the autoimmune basis of psoriasis still remains hypothetical. However, since the identification of the Th17 cell subset, the IL-23/Th17 immune axis has been considered a key driver of psoriatic inflammation, which has led to the development of biologic agents that target crucial elements of this pathway. Here we present the current understanding of various aspects in psoriasis pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The literature describes the influence of venom immunotherapy (VIT) on the subpopulation of T regulatory cells (CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+) and the synthesis of IL-10, TGF-ß1 as well as many other cytokines at various times after immunotherapy. Aim: To assess changes in the percentage of cells of CD4+ and CD25+ in peripheral blood and serum concentrations of IL-10, IL-21 and TGF-ß1 in the early stages of VIT. Material and methods: The study included 18 patients who were allergic to wasp venom and who in the past underwent systemic anaphylactic reaction after stinging, meeting the criteria to qualify for VIT. The immunoenzymatic method (ELISA) was used to assess concentrations of cytokines IL-10, IL-21 and TGF-ß1 and the surface antigens CD4 and CD25 on the cells. The concentrations were determined by flow cytometry method at baseline (before VIT) and after 2.5 and 24 h from the VIT starting point. Results: The mean values of the activity of T lymphocytes CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ and concentrations of the cytokines IL-10, IL-21 and TGF-ß1 are shown in table. Conclusions: A 24-hour activation assessment of serum concentrations of cytokines IL-10, IL-21 and TGF-ß1 during the first day of the Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy by ultra-rush protocol does not show the significant dynamics of change of the examined parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Immunosuppressive therapy, necessary for graft survival, has its clinical consequences with an increased risk of developing malignancies being one of them. It seems that the maintenance of a proper balance between cytotoxic and regulatory activity of the immune system may prevent graft rejection, and with a lower risk of cancer. Aim: To assess the quantitative changes in regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood of kidney transplant recipients with post-transplantation skin neoplasm after conversion to mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) and to assess the incidence of secondary skin cancer in that group of patients. Material and methods: Fourteen patients with post-transplant cutaneous malignancies converted to mTORi were included into the study. The control group consisted of eighteen patients maintained on immunosuppressive regimens without mTORi. The level of Tregs with a phenotype defined as CD4lowCD25high was measured before, and 6 months after, mTORi introduction. Results: In all cases, 6 months after conversion, a significant decrease in the ratio of CD4+CD25+ to CD4lowCD25high from 6.52 to 4.29 was detected (p = 0.035). One patient converted to mTORi developed subsequent skin cancer, while in the control group, subsequent skin cancer was recognized in eight patients. Moreover, introducing mTORi significantly improved progression-free survival in this group of patients (p = 0.016). Conclusions: Introducing mTORi to the immunosuppressive regimen resulted in an increase in the number of regulatory cells without increasing the incidence of secondary skin cancer in the investigated group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psoriasis with and without arthritis have common immunological mechanisms which among others involve the interactions between cytokines produced by T cells, including Th1, Th17 and Th22. Although quite a lot is known about psoriasis pathogenesis, the cause of chronic immune activation and response in the disease remains unclear. One of the negative regulators of the immune system is programmed death 1 (PD-1). Aim: To assess the expression level of PD-1 in the peripheral T cells of psoriatic patients with and without arthritis. Material and methods: The study included 23 psoriatic patients with arthritis, 52 psoriatic patients without arthritis and 52 healthy controls. The percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+PD-1+ and CD8+PD-1+ T cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. Results: The percentages of CD4+PD-1+ as well as CD8+PD-1+ T cells in the psoriatic patients both with and without arthritis were significantly lower than in the control group. The percentages of CD4+PD-1+ as well as CD8+PD-1+ T cells were not significantly different between the psoriatic patients with and without arthritis. A significant positive correlation between PD-1 expression on the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was found in the psoriatic patients without arthritis. Conclusions: Impairment of the negative co-stimulation from PD-1 may be another common characteristic of psoriasis both with and without arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulatory FOXP3+ T cells (Tregs) constitute 5% to 10% of T cells in the normal human skin. They play an important role in the induction and maintenance of immunological tolerance. The suppressive effects of these cells are exerted by various mechanisms including the direct cytotoxic effect, anti-inflammatory cytokines, metabolic disruption, and modulation of the dendritic cells function. The deficiency of Treg cells number or function are one of the basic elements of the pathogenesis of many skin diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, bacterial and viral infections. They also play a role in the pathogenesis of T cell lymphomas of the skin (cutaneous T cell lymphomas - CTCL), skin tumors and mastocytosis. Here, in the second part of the cycle, we describe dysfunctions of Tregs in selected skin diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulatory T cells (Treg) can be divided into two types: the natural cells (tTreg), which arise in the thymus, and the induced cells (iTreg), which are produced in peripheral tissues during immune response. The most recently published studies indicate that the supervisory functions of these cells are weakened in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and neoplastic diseases of the skin. This may be a result of the domination of other immune cells in the skin, such as Th1/Th17/Th22 and Tc1 type in psoriasis and Th2 in atopic dermatitis. The excessive activity of Treg cells can lead to immunosuppression and decrease in the number of Th1 cells, which promote the development and progression of skin cancers. In the case of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, there are suggestions that tumor progression is associated with the acquisition of the suppressor phenotype of malignant cells. There is genetic background of Treg dysfunction in skin disorders. This article describes the types and functions of Treg cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Treatment of T cell cutaneous lymphoma( CTCL) is a controversial subject and the effectiveness of treatment is still low. Aim: Report of single center experience of management CTCL after progression after first line treatment. Material and methods: We present 41 patients with CTCL, 29 received interferon a2b in first line, and 12 of them received second line therapy. Results: Overall response rate for second line therapy was 60%. Conclusions: Results of the follow-up of patients with mycosis fungoides after interferon a2b treatment failure with the literature review and discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, T-cell-mediated and hyperproliferative skin disease characterized by erythematous, squamous, sharply circumscribed and infiltrated plaques. The metabolisms of the collagen proteins undergo considerable changes due to the acceleration of their turnovers as a result of increased prolidase activity in psoriasis patients. Aim: To determine the level of prolidase activity in psoriasis patients and evaluate its relationship with the oxidative system. Material and methods: The serum prolidase enzyme activity, total antioxidant levels and total oxidant levels of 40 psoriasis patients and a control group including 47 healthy individuals were analyzed by using their serum samples, and their oxidative stress indices were calculated. Results: The prolidase levels (p < 0.01), total oxidant levels (p < 0.01) and oxidative stress index levels (p < 0.001) of the patient group were higher than the corresponding parameters in the control group. The total antioxidant level was low (p < 0.01). Although a positive correlation was found between the prolidase and total antioxidant levels and the total oxidant level, no correlation was found between prolidase and the oxidative stress index. Conclusions: It has been determined that the activity of the prolidase enzyme increases due to the increased collage turnover in psoriasis patients. Increased serum oxidant levels and oxidative stress indices values may play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: One of the main histopathological features of alopecia areata (AA) is a lymphocytic infiltration that surrounds hair follicles. Soluble forms of E, L, P-selectins are known indicators of ongoing inflammation. There are no studies regarding the assessment of their contribution in AA. Aim: To assess serum concentrations of selectins (E-selectin, L-selectin and P-selectin) in patients with AA in relation to selected clinical parameters, including disease severity and activity. Material and methods: Sixty-four patients with AA were involved in the study. The diagnosis was based on physical examination and photodermoscopy. The control group consisted of 40 healthy subjects. The serum concentrations of soluble E-selectin, L-selectin and P-selectin were detected with ELISA method. Results: Statistically significantly higher levels of E, P, L-selectins were found in AA patients as compared with the healthy group. Serum concentrations of soluble forms of E- and L-selectins correlated with the severity of the disease, while E-selectin with activity of AA. Conclusions: This study shows that selectins may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AA and may be a target of future therapies in this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recruitment of the inflammatory cells from blood to the airways in asthma is mediated by adhesive molecules, e.g. selectins and integrins. The most important integrins in cells trafficking are molecules containing α4 and β2 subunits. We hypothesized that also α1β1 and α2β1 integrins (both found by us on blood eosinophils of asthmatic subjects) are important in asthma pathogenesis. Aim: To assess the expression of selected very late antigen (VLA) subunits (α1, α2, α4 and β1) on blood CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes from stable atopic asthmatic patients. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 25 adult atopic asthmatics (mild to moderate persistent asthma in a stable clinical condition) and 17 matched healthy controls using flow cytometry. Results: Expression of α4 and β1 on CD4 T cells was significantly higher in asthma than in controls. The α1 subunit was absent from blood lymphocytes. The α2 chain hardly detected on lymphocytes from healthy subjects was distinctively present in asthmatics. Surprisingly, in subjects suffering from asthma for longer than 4 years (n = 15), the overexpression of α2, α4 and β1 was observed on both: CD4 and CD8 T cells. Conclusions: Expression of selected VLA subunits on blood T cells may depend on asthma duration. The biological role of α2β1 integrin in asthma is unknown, but as it was described as a stimulator of collagen accumulation in the airways, α2β1 integrin could be, at least in part, responsible for asthma airway remodelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease in which activation of specific T cells directed towards environmental allergens plays an important role. Environmental allergens' penetration through the skin is facilitated by the skin barrier impairment what causes xerosis and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increase. As AD is a chronic disease, there are many factors responsible for exacerbations during the course of the disease, including environmental stress. Aim: Evaluation of the correlation between the level of psychological stress and epidermal barrier function in AD patients. Material and methods: Eight AD patients were included in the study during which two consultations were performed in one month's time. During each visit patients completed psychological questionnaires and had TEWL of uninvolved skin measured. The TEWL was also evaluated before and after the educational session which took place during the first visit. Results: The study did not show any statistically significant correlation between the level of psychological stress, epidermal barrier function (measured by TEWL) and AD severity both at the beginning of the study (before and after the educational session) and a month later (allp > 0.05). Conclusions: Negative observations could result from a small number of participants and a short follow-up period. However, consecutive studies excluding these limitations may play an important role in understanding the influence of stress on the skin barrier in atopic dermatitis and have reliable clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Primary cutaneous lymphomas are a heterogeneous collection of lymphoproliferative malignancies with a wide-ranging clinical picture, course and prognosis. Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common disease in this group. Mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome (SS) and lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) are the most frequent primary cutaneous lymphomas treated in our department. Each disease requires a specific treatment, further adding complexity in this diverse group of pathologies. Aim: To evaluate methods and results of treatment used in patients with primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), treated in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk in 2007-2011, with reference to SLS (Skin Lymphoma Section) of PLRG (Polish Lymphoma Research Group). Material and methods: One hundred sixty-three medical records of 68 hospitalized patients, with a suspected diagnosis of CTCL, were analyzed. The male-to-female ratio was 1 : 0.7, with the age range of 30-95 years. Results: Twenty-four patients with MF were treated with topical corticosteroids, 21 with phototherapy, 6 with retinoid (acitretin), 2 with bexarotene (alone or in the combination with PUVA/UVB311). Methotrexate in low doses was used in 19 patients and interferon a in 4 patients. Radiotherapy was used in 7 cases and chemotherapy (2CdA or CHOP) was used in 11 cases. Conclusions: It is difficult to evaluate the results of the treated group because of the short observation period. Not all methods of treatment suggested in the recommendations by the SChS PLRG and EORTC WHO were included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]