Transcriptional characteristics of CD4⁺ T cells in young asthmatic children: RORC and FOXP3 axis

Figures & data

Table 1 Patients’ characteristics

Characteristics	Data
Number of subjects	30
Gender: female/male	18/12
Age	9.8 (4–16)
Positive skin test results	68.4%
FVC (%)	88.38 (58–112)
FEV1 (%)	92.74 (53–120)
FEV1/FVC	0.9 (0.79–1)
Passive smoking	47.3%
Severity
Mild	60%
Moderate	40%
CD4/CD8 ratio	1.08 v. (HC)1.1†

† Notes: P = 0.068.

Abbreviations: FEV₁, forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FVC, forced vital capacity.

Figure 1 Comparison of transcription factor expression fold change in patients with asthma compared to healthy controls (HC).

Notes: All values represent quotes between transcription factor and 18S expression. In the figure, the horizontal bars within boxes correspond to the median; box limits correspond to 25th and 75th percentiles; and vertical lines indicate the range. The mean values were compared and the P values are indicated on the figure. A significant difference was observed in EBI3 value between asthmatic patients (3.19 ± 1.48) and healthy controls (1.55 ± 0.81; P = 0.008).

Figure 2 Transcription factor TBX21/GA TA-3, RORC/TBX21, and FOXP3/RORC ratios in asthmatics compared to healthy controls (HC).

Notes: Ratios are expressed as log transcription of TBX21/GA TA-3 and FOXP3/RORC. TBX21 directs the Th1 cellular program. GA TA-3 is specific for Th2 cells. RORC mRNA transcript variant 2 was identified, and appears to be responsible for Th17 differentiation. The phenotype of CD4⁺CD25^hi regulatory T cells (Tregs) is directed by the transcription factor FOXP3. The P values are indicated on the figure.

Abbreviation: RORC, retinoid-related orphan receptor C.

Table 2 Percentage of CD4⁺ T cells producing IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ spontaneously and after in vitro stimulation (data are shown as mean ± SE)

		IL-2	IL-4	IL-10	IFN -γ
Spontaneously	Asthmatics	3.24% ± 0.17%	3.22% ± 0.36%	3.52% ± 0.51%	1.86% ± 0.43%*
	HC	3.92% ± 0.28%	3.19% ± 0.22%	4.06% ± 0.46%	3.52% ± 0.92%
After stimulation	Asthmatics	6.09% ± 0.45%	9.58% ± 0.43%*	7.92% ± 0.5%	6.72% ± 0.39%*
	HC	6.21% ± 0.33%	5.60% ± 0.39%	8.58% ± 0.47%	12.5% ± 1.92%

* Notes: P < 0.05; no differences were observed in IL-2 and IL-10 synthesis between healthy controls and asthmatics, spontaneously and after stimulation.

Abbreviation: HC, healthy controls.