INTRODUCTION: Tim-3 is a Th1 lymphocytes membrane protein with inhibitory function. Its ligand, galectin-9, was recently identified and it is expressed in some lymphocyte subpopulation. In addition, endothelial cells and fibroblasts can also express galectin-9 according to the local cytokine milieu. Both molecules can act as important regulatory tools in the immune system. AIM: Evaluate the expression of these immunoregulatory molecules inside kidney allografts during acute rejection episodes. METHODS: By using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, we measured the levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for galectin-9 and Tim-3 in 21 samples obtained at allograft nephrectomy. Five samples received the histological diagnosis of acute non-vascular rejection (ANVR), twelve of acute vascular rejection (AVR), and five of loss of non-immune cause (LNIC; as control). As cytolytic response markers we measured mRNA levels of granzyme B, interferon-gamma and perforin. The statistic analysis was performed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: The mean levels of Tim-3 mRNA expression were 13.99+/-6.99 for LNIC, 48.13+/-54.47 for RACNV and 238.63+/-333.14 for RAV (p=0.004). For galectin-9, the mean values were 0.57+/-0.49 for LNIC, 0.66+/-0.36 for RACNV and 2.34+/-1.62 for RAV (p=0.006). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between both molecules (r=0.526, p=0.016). Also, granzyme B, perforin and interferon-gamma mRNA expression were different among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Messenger RNA level expressions of all the studied molecules were higher inside allografts with more severe rejection. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between galectin-9 and Tim-3 mRNA levels. The simultaneous expression of galectin-9 and Tim-3 may indicate an immunoregulatory function, during the ongoing cytotoxic response.
INTRODUCTION:Tim-3 is a Th1 lymphocytes membrane protein with inhibitory function. Its ligand, galectin-9, was recently identified and it is expressed in some lymphocyte subpopulation. In addition, endothelial cells and fibroblasts can also express galectin-9 according to the local cytokine milieu. Both molecules can act as important regulatory tools in the immune system. AIM: Evaluate the expression of these immunoregulatory molecules inside kidney allografts during acute rejection episodes. METHODS: By using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, we measured the levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for galectin-9 and Tim-3 in 21 samples obtained at allograft nephrectomy. Five samples received the histological diagnosis of acute non-vascular rejection (ANVR), twelve of acute vascular rejection (AVR), and five of loss of non-immune cause (LNIC; as control). As cytolytic response markers we measured mRNA levels of granzyme B, interferon-gamma and perforin. The statistic analysis was performed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: The mean levels of Tim-3 mRNA expression were 13.99+/-6.99 for LNIC, 48.13+/-54.47 for RACNV and 238.63+/-333.14 for RAV (p=0.004). For galectin-9, the mean values were 0.57+/-0.49 for LNIC, 0.66+/-0.36 for RACNV and 2.34+/-1.62 for RAV (p=0.006). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between both molecules (r=0.526, p=0.016). Also, granzyme B, perforin and interferon-gamma mRNA expression were different among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Messenger RNA level expressions of all the studied molecules were higher inside allografts with more severe rejection. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between galectin-9 and Tim-3 mRNA levels. The simultaneous expression of galectin-9 and Tim-3 may indicate an immunoregulatory function, during the ongoing cytotoxic response.
Authors: Ema Prenc; Drazen Pulanic; Maja Pucic-Bakovic; Marija Pezer; Lana Desnica; Radovan Vrhovac; Damir Nemet; Steven Z Pavletic Journal: Biochim Biophys Acta Date: 2016-02-26
Authors: Mark J Pearson; Magdalena A Bik; Caroline Ospelt; Amy J Naylor; Corinna Wehmeyer; Simon W Jones; Christopher D Buckley; Steffen Gay; Andrew Filer; Janet M Lord Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2018-08-27 Impact factor: 4.379