The importance of TH22 and TC22 cells in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric diseases

BackgroundAn association exists between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), peptic ulcers, gastritis, and sometimes gastric carcinomas. Th22 cells have protective and inflammatory roles in defense against microbes. AimWe investigated the frequencies of Th22, Tc22, Th22/17, and Tc22/17 cells in addition to the changes in levels of cytokines IL-22, IL-6, IL-23, TNF-, IL-1, and TGF- in sera from patients with H. pylori-associated gastritis, and peptic ulcer, and in uninfected patients. MethodsA total of 76 patients with H. pylori-associated disorders formed the studied group. Frequencies of T-cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry. Levels of cytokines IL-22, IL-6, IL-23, TNF-, IL-1, and TGF- in the sera and supernatants of patients were measured by ELISA and flow cytometry. ResultsThe study participants included 32 males and 44 females with a mean age of 38.515.3years. We divided the infected group into peptic ulcer and gastritis (mild, moderate, active chronic, and chronic). The frequencies of Th22, Tc22, and Tc22/17 increased significantly in the peptic ulcer, moderate, active chronic, and chronic gastritis groups compared to the uninfected group. Th22/17 only increased significantly in the chronic gastritis group. We observed significant increases in IL-22 in the moderate and active chronic gastritis, IL-23 in the active chronic and chronic gastritis, and TNF- in the peptic ulcer and moderate gastritis groups. Following in vitro antigenic stimulation, we observed significantly higher levels of IL-1, IL-23, and IL-6 in the active chronic gastritis group, as well as IL-6 and IL-1 in the chronic gastritis group compared to the uninfected group. ConclusionIncreased Th22, Tc22, and Tc22/17 cells and IL-22 levels appear to be influential in progression and severity of H. pylori infection. Th22/17 can be an interesting therapeutic target for chronic H. pylori infections where eradication is more difficult.