Th22 Cells Contribution in Immunopathogenesis of Rheumatic Diseases.

Newly identified T helper cell 22 (Th22) is a subset of CD4+T cells with specific properties apart from other known CD4+ T cell subsets with distinguished gene expression and function. Th22 cells are characterized by production of a distinct profile of effector cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-22, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The levels of Th22 and related cytokine IL-22 are increased in various autoimmune diseases and positively associated with some rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, behcet's disease, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.

T-helper 22 cells as a new player in chronic inflammatory skin disorders.

T-helper 22 (Th22) cell is a new subset of CD4+ T cells that secrets interleukin (IL)-22 but not IL-17 or interferon-γ. Th22 is distinct from Th17 and other known CD4+ T-cell subsets with distinguished gene expression and function. Th22 subsets have chemokine receptors CCR6+ CCR4+ CCR10+ phenotype and aryl hydrocarbon receptor as the key transcription factor.