Fig. 3

T helper 17 (Th17)-like phenotype differentiation from CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^dim/− regulatory T cells (Tregs) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in response to interleukin (IL)-35 stimulation. CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^dim/− Tregs were purified from thirteen CHB patients, and were stimulated with HBc 18–17 peptide in the presence or absence of IL-35 for 12 h. CCR4⁺ and CCR6⁺ cells in purified Tregs were investigated by flow cytometry. a CCR4⁺ Trges percentage was significantly down-regulated in response to IL-35 stimulation. b CCR6⁺ Trges percentage was significantly down-regulated in response to IL-35 stimulation. IL-17 and IL-22 production in cultured supernatants were measured by ELISA. c IL-17 expression in cultured supernatants was decreased in response to IL-35 stimulation. d IL-22 expression in cultured supernatants was decreased in response to IL-35 stimulation. Individual level for each subject was presented, and comparisons were made using paired t tests