Increased frequency of circulating Th22 cells in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

T helper (Th) 22 cells play important roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and their function in tumors remains uncertain. In the current study, we investigated the alternations and clinical significance of circulating Th22 cells in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL). We found that the frequency of Th22 cells was significantly elevated in peripheral blood of newly-diagnosed B-NHL patients, and returned to normal level after chemotherapy. In consistent with increased Th22 frequency, plasma IL-22 and IL-6 levels in B-NHL patients were remarkably increased. Moreover, the increased Th22 frequency was associated with the older age (> 60 yr) and a poorer response to therapy in B-NHL patients. In addition, there existed a statistically positive correlation between circulating Th22 and Th17 frequencies in B-NHL patients. Our data demonstrated that circulating Th22 frequency was associated with the clinical outcome and prognosis of B-NHL patients, indicating that Th22 immune response might play an important role in the development and progression of B-NHL.