The Chronicity of Tonsillitis Is Significantly Correlated with an Increase in an LTi Cell Portion

Abstract

The current study explored the relationship between lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells and patients’ clinical and immunological status. LTi cells are critical for lymphoid tissue development and maintenance of CD4 T cell-dependent immune responses. The percentage of CD117+CD3−CD56−CD127+ RORγ+ LTi cells isolated from human tonsils was determined and correlated with changes in other immune subsets and clinical factors. We found that the portion of LTi and CD4 T cells was significantly increased in chronic tonsillitis compared to non-inflamed tonsils. Additionally, the expression of OX40 by memory CD4 T cells and OX40 ligand (OX40L) and interleukin (IL)-22 by LTi cells was higher in chronically inflamed tonsils. The treatment for tonsillitis with ibuprofen did not alter LTi cell viability and the expression of OX40L and IL-22. These results demonstrate that during chronic inflammation, LTi cells are increased and express higher levels of OX40L and IL-22, and this is correlated with an increase in memory CD4 T cells.