H-X Wang3, S Chu1, J Li2, W-N Lai2, H-X Wang3, X-J Wu1, X Kang1, Y-R Qiu4. 1. Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangdong, China. 2. Department of Rheumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangdong, China. 3. Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanyang Center Hospital, Henan, China. 4. Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangdong, China qiuyuronggz@126.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Increased numbers of TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells in the peripheral blood of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in the United States and United Kingdom have been reported. However, the proportions of TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells and their involvement in the pathogenesis of SLE in Chinese populations are yet to be determined. METHODS: A total of 120 SLE patients, 38 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 43 normal control subjects were examined. The proportion of TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells in the peripheral blood, Fas expression on these cells, and intracellular cytokine levels in these cells were assessed using flow cytometry. Plasma cytokine concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The percentages of TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells were increased in Chinese SLE patients, particularly in active SLE patients, correlated with decreased Fas expression on these cells. IL-17 and IL-21 levels in the blood and in TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells from SLE patients were increased. Moreover, a positive correlation was evident between IL-17- and IL-21-producing TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Increased TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells expressing inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17 and IL-21, may be implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE in patients. Appropriate IL-17- and/or IL-21 blockage may be utilized as a novel immunotherapeutic strategy for SLE patients.
BACKGROUND: Increased numbers of TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells in the peripheral blood of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in the United States and United Kingdom have been reported. However, the proportions of TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells and their involvement in the pathogenesis of SLE in Chinese populations are yet to be determined. METHODS: A total of 120 SLEpatients, 38 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 43 normal control subjects were examined. The proportion of TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells in the peripheral blood, Fas expression on these cells, and intracellular cytokine levels in these cells were assessed using flow cytometry. Plasma cytokine concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The percentages of TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells were increased in Chinese SLEpatients, particularly in active SLEpatients, correlated with decreased Fas expression on these cells. IL-17 and IL-21 levels in the blood and in TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells from SLEpatients were increased. Moreover, a positive correlation was evident between IL-17- and IL-21-producing TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Increased TCRαβ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells expressing inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17 and IL-21, may be implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE in patients. Appropriate IL-17- and/or IL-21 blockage may be utilized as a novel immunotherapeutic strategy for SLEpatients.