Deficient interleukin‐2 responsiveness of T lymphocytes from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

• Published in: Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Md.), 1992-10, Vol.16 (4), p.931-936
• Main Authors: Menéndez, José Luis, Girón, José Antonio, Manzano, Luis, Garrido, Aurelio, Abreu, Luis, Albillos, Agustin, Durántez, Alberto, Alvarez‐Mon, Melchor
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cell Division - drug effects; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Humans; Interleukin-2 - biosynthesis; Interleukin-2 - pharmacology; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary - pathology; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary - physiopathology; Liver. Biliary tract. Portal circulation. Exocrine pancreas; Lymphocyte Activation; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Other diseases. Semiology; Phytohemagglutinins - pharmacology; T-Lymphocytes - drug effects; T-Lymphocytes - metabolism; T-Lymphocytes - physiology
• ISSN: 0270-9139; 1527-3350
• DOI: 10.1002/hep.1840160413

There is increasing evidence that primary biliary cirrhosis is associated with an alteration of the immune system. Although the cause remains unknown, it has been suggested that the immune system of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis is involved in the pathogenesis of their disease. We have investigated the T‐cell function in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and have found defective phytohemagglutinin‐induced T‐cell mitogenesis. Likewise, their blastogenic response to CD3 monoclonal antibody was also depressed, although the DNA synthesis induced by stimulation with phorbol esters (12‐O‐tetradecanoilphorbol‐13‐acetate) plus ionophore (ionomycin) was normal. These alterations could not be ascribed either to a decreased synthesis of interleukin‐2 or to a defective expression of interleukin‐2 receptor after cellular activation. Moreover, this defective proliferative response of T lymphocytes was observed even in the presence of saturating concentrations of exogenous interleukin‐2. These results represent evidence of the deficiency in the interleukin‐2—dependent pathway found in T lymphocytes from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. (HEPATOLOGY 1992;16:931–936.)