Increased IL-17A expression in granulomas and in circulating memory T cells in sarcoidosis

Abstract

Enhanced IL-17A expression in granulomas and the presence of IL-17A(+), IL-17A(+)IFN-γ(+) and IL-17A(+)IL-4(+)memory Th cells in the circulation and BAL indicate Th17 cell involvement in granuloma induction or maintenance in sarcoidosis. Therefore, neutralization of IL-17A activity may be a novel strategy to treat sarcoidosis.