OBJECTIVES: The forkhead family transcription factor Foxp3 currently represents the most specific marker molecule for CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells with suppressive/regulatory capacity (Treg) in the mouse. Recent studies in the human system, however, indicate that the expression of Foxp3 can be T cell activation dependent. This tempted us to evaluate the significance of Foxp3 expression under autoimmune conditions with chronic T cell activation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as compared with healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: Proportions of peripheral blood CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells and CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells were determined in patients with active and inactive SLE as compared with HC by flow cytometry. Comparative analysis of the percentage of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells and of percentage of CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells with clinical disease activity and T cell activation marker molecule expression were performed. Finally, the induction of Foxp3 expression was analysed upon T cell activation in vitro. RESULTS: Proportions of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells were significantly increased in patients with SLE as compared with HC and a significant correlation was observed between clinical disease activity and proportions of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells. On the other hand, proportions of CD4(+)CD25(high) were decreased in SLE and no correlation with a T cell activation marker expression of was observed. In addition, in vitro activation of T cells induced Foxp3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the expression of Foxp3 on CD4(+) T cells in patients with SLE, at least to some extent, reflects the activation of CD4(+) T cells due to underlying disease activity and does not necessarily indicate a functional regulatory T cell capacity.
OBJECTIVES: The forkhead family transcription factor Foxp3 currently represents the most specific marker molecule for CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells with suppressive/regulatory capacity (Treg) in the mouse. Recent studies in the human system, however, indicate that the expression of Foxp3 can be T cell activation dependent. This tempted us to evaluate the significance of Foxp3 expression under autoimmune conditions with chronic T cell activation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as compared with healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: Proportions of peripheral blood CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells and CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells were determined in patients with active and inactive SLE as compared with HC by flow cytometry. Comparative analysis of the percentage of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells and of percentage of CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells with clinical disease activity and T cell activation marker molecule expression were performed. Finally, the induction of Foxp3 expression was analysed upon T cell activation in vitro. RESULTS: Proportions of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells were significantly increased in patients with SLE as compared with HC and a significant correlation was observed between clinical disease activity and proportions of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T cells. On the other hand, proportions of CD4(+)CD25(high) were decreased in SLE and no correlation with a T cell activation marker expression of was observed. In addition, in vitro activation of T cells induced Foxp3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the expression of Foxp3 on CD4(+) T cells in patients with SLE, at least to some extent, reflects the activation of CD4(+) T cells due to underlying disease activity and does not necessarily indicate a functional regulatory T cell capacity.
Authors: Joabe S Pereira; Bárbara V Monteiro; Cassiano F Nonaka; Éricka J Silveira; Márcia C Miguel Journal: Int J Exp Pathol Date: 2012-08 Impact factor: 1.925
Authors: Eliana A G Reis; Daniel A Athanazio; Isabella Lima; Natália Oliveira e Silva; Jorge Clarencio S Andrade; Ronden N Jesus; Lúcio M Barbosa; Mitermayer G Reis; Mittermayer B Santiago Journal: Rheumatol Int Date: 2008-09-28 Impact factor: 2.631
Authors: Melissa E Munroe; Evan S Vista; Joel M Guthridge; Linda F Thompson; Joan T Merrill; Judith A James Journal: Arthritis Rheumatol Date: 2014-07 Impact factor: 10.995