We found that the standardized method and the expression of CD161 in human Th17 cells were valid and that the ratio of IFNγ+Th17 cells in memory Th cells was inversely correlated with the titer of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies in peripheral blood from early-onset RA patients. This evidence concerns the gene KLRB1 and rheumatoid arthritis.