Imbalanced expression of functional surface molecules in regulatory and effector T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus

• Published in: Brazilian journal of medical and biological research 2014-08, Vol.47 (8), p.662-669
• Main Authors: D. Mesquita Júnior, W.M. Cruvinel, J.A.P. Araujo, K.C. Salmazi, E.G. Kallas, L.E.C. Andrade
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Effector T cells; Regulatory T cells; Systemic lupus erythematosus; T lymphocytes
• ISSN: 1414-431X
• DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20143483

Regulatory T (TREG) cells play an important role in maintaining immune tolerance and avoiding autoimmunity. We analyzed the expression of membrane molecules in TREG and effector T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). TREG and effector T cells were analyzed for the expression of CTLA-4, PD1, CD28, CD95, GITR, HLA-DR, OX40, CD40L, and CD45RO in 26 patients with active disease, 31 with inactive disease, and 26 healthy controls. TREG cells were defined as CD25+/highCD127Ø/lowFoxP3+, and effector T cells were defined as CD25+CD127+FoxP3Ø. The ratio of TREG to effector T cells expressing GITR, PD1, HLA-DR, OX40, CD40L, and CD45RO was determined in the three groups. The frequency of TREG cells was similar in patients with SLE and controls. However, SLE patients had a decreased frequency of CTLA-4+TREG and CD28+TREG cells and an increased frequency of CD40L+TREG cells. There was a decrease in the TREG/effector-T ratio for GITR+, HLA-DR+, OX40+, and CD45RO+ cells, and an increased ratio of TREG/effector-T CD40L+ cells in patients with SLE. In addition, CD40L+TREG cell frequency correlated with the SLE disease activity index (P=0.0163). In conclusion, our findings showed several abnormalities in the expression of functionally critical surface molecules in TREG and effector T cells in SLE that may be relevant to the pathogenesis of this disease.