Fig. 4
Higher frequency of T helper (Th17) cells at baseline associated with poorer response to anti-TNF treatment. Positive correlation between the frequency of circulating IL17-producing cells (determined by IL17 enzyme-linked immunospot (Elispot) assay) at baseline and the change in quantitative score for synovial vascularity (composite transverse synovial thickness area score of ten metacarpophalangeal joints (10 MCP Trans PDA score) from baseline to week 1 on treatment (a) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with presence of power Doppler signal at baseline (n = 19). Positive correlation is shown between the frequency of circulating IL17-producing cells (determined by IL17 Elispot assay) at baseline and the change in quantitative score for synovial thickening (10 MCP Trans STA score) from baseline to week 1 (b), from baseline to week 4 (c) and from baseline to week 12 (d) on treatment in the whole RA cohort. Correlation was tested using Spearman’s rank method. spSFC/10 6 specific spot forming cells per 106, 10 MCP Trans PDA composite transverse power Doppler area score for synovial vascularity of ten metacarpophalangeal joints