GTS-21 modulates rheumatoid arthritis Th17 and Th2 lymphocyte subset differentiation through the α7nAch receptor

Previous research has demonstrated alpha 7nAch receptor (alpha 7nAchR) agonists to provide benefit for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, the immunological mechanism of action for these alpha 7nAchR agonists has not been elucidated. Herein, the effect of GTS-21, a selective alpha 7nAchR agonist, on the differentiation of Th17 and Th2 cells was assessed. CD4 + T cells were obtained from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RA patients and healthy donors. CD4 + T cells were separately differentiated into Th2 or Th17 cells with or without GTS-21 and with or without alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha Bgt) (a alpha 7nAchR antagonist). The proportions of Th17 and Th2 cells were assessed by flow cytometry. Levels of the T cell cytokines, IL-17A and IL-4, were assessed by ELISA. Specific transcription factors, retinoic orphan receptor c (RORc), and GATA Binding Protein 3 (GATA-3) were detected by western blot. GTS-21 reduced IL-17A and increased IL-4 production by RA PBMCs. GTS-21 reduced the percentage of Th17 cells and increased the percentage of Th2 cells during Th17 and Th2 differentiation, respectively. GTS-21 downregulated RA CD4 + T cells RORc levels and reduced the secretion of IL-17A during Th17 differentiation. GTS-21 upregulated RA CD4 + T cells GATA3 and promoted IL-4 production during Th2 differentiation. alpha-Bgt blocked the effects of GTS-21 during Th17 and Th2 differentiation. These results demonstrated that GTS-21 suppressed RA Th17 differentiation and promoted Th2 differentiation. As such, the use of GTS-21 may be a new therapeutic approach by which to treat RA patients.Key Points center dot GTS-21 suppressed RA Th17 differentiation and promoted Th2 differentiation via acting on alpha 7nAchR.center dot The protective effect of GTS-21 on RA may be related to its regulation of Th cell subsets