ABSTRACT
Aplastic anemia (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by destruction of hematopoietic tissue resulting in hyperfunction of effector T-lymphocytes. Recent studies indicate that Th17 and Treg cells are functionally antagonistic each other, and the increase of Th17 cells and decrease of Treg cells are closely related with AA. In vivo experiments showed that both anti-IL-17 treatment and Treg cell infusion can protect against immune-mediated bone marrow failure in mouse with AA. This review summarizes the recent progress of study on imbalance of Th17/Treg cells in AA, so as to explore the pathogenesis of AA and provide approach to clinical treatment. The main problems that are discussed in this review include biological characteristics of Th17/Treg cells, the regulation of Th17/Treg cell balance and related cytokines, the relationship between Th17/Treg cells and AA.
