Recent research highlights the potential of regulating Th17/Treg cell imbalances to inhibit skin fibrosis associated with systemic sclerosis.
This study investigates the role of Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Hp) infection and its induced regulatory T cells (Tregs) in inhibiting bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis by balancing Th17 and Treg cell populations.
The research involves multiple authors affiliated with Gunma University and is supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
The study was published on March 15, 2025.
The research was conducted at Gunma University, Japan.
The study aims to explore the mechanisms of skin fibrosis development in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the therapeutic potential of modulating Treg and Th17 cell proportions.
Researchers induced dermal fibrosis using bleomycin injections and examined the effects of preceding helminth infection (Hp) on immune cell populations through histological evaluations, flow cytometry, and microbiota analysis.
The study identifies specific correlations between Treg cell abundance and certain intestinal microbiota, highlighting their potential influence on SSc progression.
"Enhancing Tregs to regulate the Th17/Treg imbalance may present a promising strategy for suppressing fibrosis in SSc."
"SSc patients with characteristics such as severe skin sclerosis, ILD, and DUs may have a unique microbiota..."
The article will begin by introducing systemic sclerosis and its link to skin fibrosis, emphasizing the significance of Treg and Th17 cells. Quotes on the promising strategy for SSc will engage readers.
This section will explain the immune dysregulation involved in SSc, focusing on Th17 cells' role and regulatory T cells' functions.
The article will detail the experimental design of using bleomycin and Hp infection, describing methods such as immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry to measure cellular responses.
The core results will be presented, emphasizing the health benefits of increasing Treg cells and how this can potentially alter the disease course. Quotes illustrating unique microbiota patterns will enrich this section.
A recap will summarize findings, suggest future directions for therapy targeting Th17/Treg balance, and highlight the broader impact of microbiota on SSc pathogenesis.