Memory CD4+CD127high T cells from patients with multiple sclerosis produce IL-17 in response to myelin antigens.

Myelin-reactive T helper-17 cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we analyzed the reactivity of peripheral naive and memory conventional CD4(+)CD127(high) T cells (Tconv) of MS patients and healthy controls (HC) towards myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and tetanus toxoid (TT). Proliferative responses of Tconv cells towards MBP, MOG and TT were not significantly different between MS patients and HC. However, MBP and MOG but not TT reactive memory Tconv cells from MS patients, in contrast to HC, produced IL-17. These results suggest that myelin antigen reactive Th-17 cells are enriched in MS patients.