The prostaglandin E2 increases the production of IL-17 and the expression of costimulatory molecules on γδ T cells in rheumatoid arthritis

gamma delta T cells play important roles in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through their antigen-presenting capacity, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunomodulatory properties, interaction with CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs and promotion of antibody production by helping B cells. Although prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was proved to have the ability to enhance the antigen-presenting function of dendritic cells and IL-17 production of CD4(+) alpha beta T cells in RA, the role of PGE2 in gamma delta T cells from RA disease has not yet been clarified. The goal of this study was to determine the role of PGE2 in gamma delta T cells in RA. We first demonstrated that the population of gamma delta T17 cells increased in patients with RA compared to healthy controls. Then, IL-17A level in patients with RA was shown to increase compared to healthy controls. After adding PGE2 to gamma delta T cells from patients with RA, the IL-17A level increased accordingly, and the expression of the costimulatory molecules, CD80 and CD86, on these cells also increased. These results suggest that PEG2 can increase the production of IL-17A and the expression of CD80 and CD86 on gamma delta T cells in patients with RA. These findings will benefit to explore new therapeutic targets for RA disease.