FIGURE 7.

USP17 is increased significantly in CD4⁺ T cells of active systemic lupus erythematosus. A, CD4⁺ T cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of SLE patients and healthy controls. IL-17A, IL-17F, RORγt, and USP17 mRNA levels were detected via quantitative PCR analysis. B, correlation between USP17 and IL-17A or IL-17F. C, comparison of USP17 between the inactive SLE group, the active SLE group, and healthy donors. NS, not significant. D, proposed working model in which USP17 stabilizes RORγt by deubiquitination. Ub, ubiquitin. Data are representative of more than three independent experiments. Error bars show mean ± S.D.