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

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,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 2014, Vol.47 (8), p.662
Main Authors: Mesquita, D., Jr, Cruvinel, W.M, Araujo, J.A.P, Salmazi, K.C, Kallas, E.G, Andrade, L.E.C
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Gene expression
Systemic lupus erythematosus
T cells
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Summary: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, 0X40, CD40L, and CD45RO in 26 patients with active disease, 31 with inactive disease, and 26 healthy controls. TREG cells were defined as [CD25.sup.+/high] [CD127.sup.[empty set]/low]Fox[P3.sup.+], and effector T cells were defined as [CD25.sup.+][CD127.sup.+]Fox[P3.sup.[empty set]]. The ratio of TREG to effector T cells expressing GITR, PD1, HLA-DR, 0X40, CD40L, and CD45R0 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.sup.+]TREG and [CD28.sup.+]TREG cells and an increased frequency of [CD40L.sup.+]TREG cells. There was a decrease in the TREG/effector-T ratio for [GITR.sup.+], [HLA-DR.sup.+], [OX40.sup.+], and [CD45R0.sup.+] cells, and an increased ratio of TREG/effector-T [CD40L.sup.+] cells in patients with SLE. In addition, [CD40L.sup.+]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. Key words: Systemic lupus erythematosus; T lymphocytes; Regulatory T cells; Effector T cells
ISSN:0100-879X
DOI:10.1590/1414-431X20143483