The pathogenic Th profile of human activated memory Th cells in early rheumatoid arthritis can be modulated by VIP

Th17 cells are more important than Th1 in the contribution to pathogenesis in eRA patients. Pathogenic Th17 and Th17/1 profile are abundant in activated/expanded memory Th cells from eRA patients. VIP decreases the pathogenic Th17, Th1, and Th17/1 profiles, mainly in healthy donors. The expression of VIP receptors is reduced in eRA patients respect to healthy donors, whereas the ratio of VPAC2/VPAC1 expression is higher.