BACKGROUND: The numbers of airway CD8 and B lymphocytes are increased in COPD patients, suggesting an autoimmune process. CD4-regulatory T cells control autoimmunity but have not been studied in patients with COPD. OBJECTIVE: To compare T-regulatory cell numbers in the BAL from COPD patients, smokers with normal lung function, and healthy nonsmokers (HNS). METHODS: BAL and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were obtained from 26 COPD patients, 19 smokers, and 8 HNS. Flow cytometry was performed for regulatory phenotypic markers. RESULTS: COPD patients had increased BAL CD8 numbers compared to smokers and HNS. CD4 numbers were similar between groups. There was increased BAL CD4CD25(bright) expression in smokers (median 28.8%) and COPD patients (median 23.1%) compared to HNS (median 0%). Increased FoxP3 expression was confirmed in BAL CD4CD25(bright) cells. BAL CD4CD25 cells expressed less CD27 compared to PBMCs, suggesting weaker functional regulatory ability. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Chronic cigarette smoke exposure up-regulates airway CD4 regulatory cell numbers. Their function may be to control pulmonary inflammation.
BACKGROUND: The numbers of airway CD8 and B lymphocytes are increased in COPDpatients, suggesting an autoimmune process. CD4-regulatory T cells control autoimmunity but have not been studied in patients with COPD. OBJECTIVE: To compare T-regulatory cell numbers in the BAL from COPDpatients, smokers with normal lung function, and healthy nonsmokers (HNS). METHODS: BAL and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were obtained from 26 COPDpatients, 19 smokers, and 8 HNS. Flow cytometry was performed for regulatory phenotypic markers. RESULTS:COPDpatients had increased BAL CD8 numbers compared to smokers and HNS. CD4 numbers were similar between groups. There was increased BAL CD4CD25(bright) expression in smokers (median 28.8%) and COPDpatients (median 23.1%) compared to HNS (median 0%). Increased FoxP3 expression was confirmed in BAL CD4CD25(bright) cells. BAL CD4CD25 cells expressed less CD27 compared to PBMCs, suggesting weaker functional regulatory ability. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Chronic cigarette smoke exposure up-regulates airway CD4 regulatory cell numbers. Their function may be to control pulmonary inflammation.
Authors: M Heron; J C Grutters; K M ten Dam-Molenkamp; D Hijdra; A van Heugten-Roeling; A M E Claessen; H J T Ruven; J M M van den Bosch; H van Velzen-Blad Journal: Clin Exp Immunol Date: 2012-03 Impact factor: 4.330
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Authors: W M Chatila; G J Criner; W W Hancock; T Akimova; B Moldover; J-K Chang; W Cornwell; M Santerre; T J Rogers Journal: Clin Exp Immunol Date: 2014-07 Impact factor: 4.330
Authors: Ravi P Sahu; Irina Petrache; Mary J Van Demark; Badri M Rashid; Jesus A Ocana; Yuxuan Tang; Qiaofang Yi; Matthew J Turner; Raymond L Konger; Jeffrey B Travers Journal: J Immunol Date: 2013-01-25 Impact factor: 5.422
Authors: Corry-Anke Brandsma; Machteld N Hylkema; Marie Geerlings; Wouter H van Geffen; Dirkje S Postma; Wim Timens; Huib A M Kerstjens Journal: Respir Res Date: 2009-11-12