BACKGROUND: Several reports have claimed a role for T regulatory cells (Tregs) in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). The aim of the present study was to examine whether changes in the number of peripheral CD4 + CD25highHLA-DR + lymphocytes, a subpopulation of Tregs, occur in patients with AITD. METHODS: Three-color flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of CD4 cells expressing CD25, CD25high, and HLA-DR in 70 newly diagnosed and untreated AITD patients and 20 controls. The intensity of CD25 expression on these cells was also examined. RESULTS: The proportion of CD4 + CD25 + cells as well as the proportion of CD4 + CD25high cells among the population of CD4 lymphocytes was not different in AITD patients relative to controls. However, a significant increase in the proportion of CD4 + CD25highHLA-DR + cells among the population of CD4 lymphocytes was found in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: In HT patients there is a quantitative increase of CD4 + CD25highHLA-DR + cells that may indicate a compensatory expansion of this subpopulation of Tregs in an attempt to suppress the immune response.
BACKGROUND: Several reports have claimed a role for T regulatory cells (Tregs) in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). The aim of the present study was to examine whether changes in the number of peripheral CD4 + CD25highHLA-DR + lymphocytes, a subpopulation of Tregs, occur in patients with AITD. METHODS: Three-color flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of CD4 cells expressing CD25, CD25high, and HLA-DR in 70 newly diagnosed and untreated AITD patients and 20 controls. The intensity of CD25 expression on these cells was also examined. RESULTS: The proportion of CD4 + CD25 + cells as well as the proportion of CD4 + CD25high cells among the population of CD4 lymphocytes was not different in AITD patients relative to controls. However, a significant increase in the proportion of CD4 + CD25highHLA-DR + cells among the population of CD4 lymphocytes was found in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: In HTpatients there is a quantitative increase of CD4 + CD25highHLA-DR + cells that may indicate a compensatory expansion of this subpopulation of Tregs in an attempt to suppress the immune response.
Authors: Martina Prelog; Jörn Schönlaub; Reinhard Würzner; Christian Koppelstaetter; Giovanni Almanzar; Andrea Brunner; Martin Gasser; Rupert Prommegger; Gabriele Häusler; Klaus Kapelari; Wolfgang Högler Journal: BMC Endocr Disord Date: 2013-09-05 Impact factor: 2.763
Authors: Tom Clifford; Matthew J Wood; Philip Stocks; Glyn Howatson; Emma J Stevenson; Catharien M U Hilkens Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol Date: 2017-06-23 Impact factor: 3.078
Authors: Zachary C Stensland; Brianne M Coleman; Marynette Rihanek; Ryan M Baxter; Peter A Gottlieb; Elena W Y Hsieh; Virginia D Sarapura; Kimber M Simmons; John C Cambier; Mia J Smith Journal: iScience Date: 2021-12-13