The immunoregulatory effects of homocysteine and its intermediates on T-lymphocyte function.

Elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy) have been identified as independent risk identifiers for cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease as well as for all-cause mortality. Despite the potential importance of these observations, a definitive pathological role for Hcy or its various metabolites in any of these conditions has not been established. Particularly deficient is a description of the effects of elevated levels of homocysteine on immune function. Folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency have been independently associated with decreased immune function, the apoptosis of bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells and the appearance of leukocytes with hypomethylated DNA in the peripheral circulation. A specific role for Hcy or its metabolites in these processes has not been described. We have examined the effects of Hcy and its various derivatives on T cell activation, differentiation and cell viability. Our results have demonstrated that Hcy is a potent concentration-dependent T cell activator promoting cellular activation and differentiation as well as potentiating activation-induced cell death (AICD) and cellular apoptosis. Overall, Hcy appears to exert diverse effects on immune function in the circulation and within the tissue microenvironment possibly contributing to age-related immune dysfunction and disease pathology.