Downregulation of Th17 cells and the related cytokines with treatment in Kawasaki disease

Given the inflammatory nature of Kawasaki disease (KD) and the pro-inflammatory properties of Th17, this study aimed to determine the frequency of Th17 cells and the levels of corresponding cytokines in acute phase of KD and to evaluate their alterations one and eight weeks after treatment. Th17 and the related cytokine levels were measured in 21 KD patients and 42 positive and negative controls, using flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. Th17, IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients compared with negative controls, but no significant differences (P > 0.05) with the positive controls. Furthermore, Th17, IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23 were significantly higher in patients before treatment than those one and eight weeks after. Considering the downregulation of Th17 and its related cytokines with aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy implies the probable role of Th17 in KD pathogenesis.