Fig. 2

Predicting good response to anti-TNF therapy: independent and combined strength of baseline plasma IL-23⁺ status and frequency of circulating IL-17A⁺IFNγ⁺ ex-Th17 cell sub-population. A Uni- and multivariate logistic regression models with baseline variables for the prediction of good response after an initial 4–6 months of anti-TNF treatment. Values for IL-17A⁺IFNγ⁺ ex-Th17 cell frequency were quartile-transformed; plasma IL-23⁺ defined as cytokine present above detectable levels. *Significant p values ≤ 0.05. B ROC curve analysis to determine the combined effects of IL-23 status and IL-17A⁺IFNγ⁺ ex-Th17 cell frequency on the likelihood of a good response to anti-TNF therapy. Predicted probabilities from the multivariate logistic regression analysis were used. ^aOdds ratios of this model are adjusted for additional confounders including concomitant cDMARD use (any of methotrexate, leflunomide, salazopyrin and/or hydroxychloroquine); presence of subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules; RF⁺ and/or ACPA⁺; prednisone use; disease duration; and age at baseline