Novel IL-6-secreting γδT cells increased in patients with atherosclerotic cerebral infarction

Mounting evidence has suggested that inflammation associated with interleukin (IL)-6 and T-helper (Th)17 cells, has a role in the development of atherosclerotic cerebral infarction (ACI). However, it remains unclear which population of cells determines the levels of IL-6, and the role of IL-6-secreting cells in inducing Th17 cell production. In the present study, IL-6 levels were determined in patients with ACI, by ELISA. The percentage of CD3(+)T, CD4(+)T, CD8(+)T, CD11c(+) dendritic cells and gamma delta T cells were determined by flow cytometry, and the correlation between cytokine IL-6 and gamma delta T cells was determined by statistical analysis. An in vitro culture assay was used to determine whether gamma delta T cells secreted high levels of IL-6, and induced production of Th17 cells. The patients with ACT had significantly higher levels of IL-6 and gamma delta T cells. Furthermore, gamma delta T cells were associated with the secretion of a high level of IL-6 in patients with ACI. These results indicate that gamma delta T cells are novel IL-6-secreting cells, which from then on were known as gamma delta T6 cells. In addition, the novel gamma delta T6 cells induced Th17-cell production, and this induction was dependent on IL-6. Novel gamma delta T6 cells increased the induction of Th17-cell production in patients with ACI. The results of the present study suggest that novel gamma delta T6 cells may be a target for strategic therapies of ACI.