NSUN2通过m^(5)C修饰介导系统性红斑狼疮患者中CD4^(+)T细胞的活化

目的:探究mRNA的m^(5)C甲基转移酶NSUN2对系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)患者CD4^(+)T细胞活化的影响。方法:通过慢病毒感染和有限稀释法构建NSUN2稳定敲除的Jurkat细胞单克隆株,Western blot和免疫荧光检测Jurkat细胞中NSUN2的敲除效果,Dot blot检测NSUN2敲除后m^(5)C的修饰水平变化。使用抗人CD3/CD28抗体刺激Jurkat细胞活化,分别在24 h和48 h使用流式细胞术检测Jurkat细胞活化标志物CD69和CD25的表达水平,RT-qPCR检测Jurkat细胞活化后IL-2和TNF-α的转录水平;建立NSUN2^(+/-)小鼠模型,使用磁珠分离CD4^(+)T细胞,通过体外诱导细胞活化,进一步评价NSUN2的敲低对CD4^(+)T细胞活化的影响。使用Arraystar mRNA表观转录组芯片检测NSUN2敲除后Jurkat细胞中基因m^(5)C修饰水平和表达水平,获得受NSUN2调控的m^(5)C修饰的靶基因,利用GO和KEGG富集分析获得NSUN2调控的重要信号通路,结合SLE患者CD4^(+)T细胞中差异的m^(5)C修饰基因集,筛选获得受NSUN2调控的且与SLE疾病相关的靶基因,并进一步利用GO和KEGG等分析NSUN2调控系统性红斑狼疮CD4^(+)T细胞功能的潜在通路。结果:采用CRISPR-Cas9技术,成功获得NSUN2敲除的Jurkat细胞单克隆株,与NSUN2-NC组相比,NSUN2-KO组m^(5)C修饰水平下调,Jurkat细胞的活化标志物CD69和CD25表达水平上调,活化相关细胞因子IL-2和TNF-α表达水平上调(P<0.05);与野生型小鼠相比,NSUN2^(+/-)小鼠Naive CD4^(+)T细胞的活化标志物CD69的表达水平上调。机制上发现,Jurkat细胞中存在受NSUN2调控的基因集,GO和KEGG富集显示这些基因与T细胞活化过程相关。结合SLE患者CD4^(+)T细胞中差异的m^(5)C修饰基因集,筛选获得受NSUN2调控且与SLE疾病相关的靶基因集,GO和KEGG富集分析证实这些基因集与CD4^(+)T细胞功能相关。结论:NSUN2的敲除/敲低促进了Jurkat细胞和小鼠Naive CD4^(+)T细胞的活化,初步筛选出NSUN2调控SLE患者CD4^(+)T细胞活化的靶基因集及其潜在信号通路。

MBD2 promotes Th2 differentiation in ovalbumin-induced CD4+T cells

Introduction:Allergen-specific CD4+T cells play a central role in autoimmune disorders,allergies and asthma,with Th2-type immunity being the typical functional response of CD4+T cells.This study aimed to investigate the role of MBD2 in regulating Th2 cell differentiation.Methods:Splenic mononuclear cells were extracted from C57BL/6 mice,and CD4+T cells were isolated using magnetic beads and confirmed through flow cytometry.Lentivirus was employed to construct MBD2-silenced CD4+T cells.In vitro experiments were performed to treat splenogenic mononuclear cells and CD4+T cells with Ovalbumin(OVA),and Th2 cell ratios and IL-4 levels were assessed using flow cytometry and ELISA.Results:The purity of the isolated CD4+T cells was 95.73%,confirming successful isolation of primary CD4+T cells.Compared to the control group,the Th2 cell ratio exhibited an increase in the Th2-induced group.Treatment with 5-Aza(concentrations,1-100μM)promoted Th2 cell differentiation and increased IL-4 levels.Notably,when combined with Th2 induction and 10μM 5-Aza treatment,silencing MBD2 further amplified Th2 cell ratios and elevated IL-4 levels in cell supernatants.Furthermore,OVA(concentration,200μg/mL)induced the differentiation of CD4+T cells into Th2 cells and increased IL-4 secretion.Interestingly,silencing MBD2 significantly increased the Th2 cell ratio and IL-4 levels in OVA-treated CD4+T cells.Conclusion:In summary,OVA promoted CD4+T cell differentiation into Th2 cells and enhanced IL-4 levels.MBD2 was identified as a mediator of Th2 cell differentiation in splenic-derived CD4+T cells,influenced by OVA or 5-Aza treatment.

Analysis of CD4^+CD25^+ Regulatory T Cells and Foxp3 mRNA in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Asthma

The changes of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells （CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg） and Foxp3 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） from patients with asthma were investigated in order to elucidate the possible roles of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg in the development of asthma. The peripheral blood samples were collected from 29 healthy controls （normal control group） and 78 patients with asthma which included 30 patients in exacerbation group, 25 patients in persistent group, and 23 patients in remission group. By using flow cytometry and RT-PCR, the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs were detected. The CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs of exacerbation and persistent groups were lower than that of remission and normal control groups （P〈0.05）. Although the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA of remission group were also lower than that of normal control group, there was no significant difference between them （P〉0.05）. As compared with persistent group, exacerbation group had lower CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA （P〈0.05）. It was indicated that the decrease of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and its function in PBMCs may be responsible for pathogenesis of asthma.

Depletion of CD4^+CD25^+ regulatory T cells can promote local immunity to suppress tumor growth in benzo[a]pyrene-induced forestomach carcinoma

AIM： To elucidate the distribution of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells （Tregs） in different lymphoid tissues and its local enhancement on tumor growth before and after depletion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs. METHODS： Female ICR mice were garaged with benzo[a]pyrene （BaP） to induce forestomach carcinoma. CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs were intraperitoneally depleted with monoclonal antibody PC61. These mice were divided into BaP-only, BaP ＋ IgG, BaP ＋ PC61, and control groups. The forestomach of mice was dissected for histological analysis, and tunnel test was performed for apoptosis of tumor cells. CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs were sorted from different lymphoid tissues and expression of Foxp3, IL-10, and chemokine receptors was analyzed by flow cytometry, semi-quantitative and veal-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS： The mice gavaged with only BaP showed increased forestomach papilloma and carcinoma at wk 16 and 32. The proportion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs was significantly higher in peri-stomach regional lymph nodes than in other lymphoid tissues. These CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs in regional lymph nodes expressed higher levels of Foxp3 and IL-10, enriched in the CD62L-subset, and CCR1 and CCR5 chemokine receptors. In mice gavaged with BaP ＋ PC61, the number of tumor nodules and tumor volume decreased significantly with massive infiltrating cells and apoptosis of tumor cells. In the draining regional lymph nodes, the number of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs also decreased significantly. CONCLUSION： Inducible and activated CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs in the draining regional lymph nodes suppress host local immunity during tumor growth. Depletion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tregs can promote host local immunity to suppress tumor growth.

Influence of Danshen Injection on airway inflammation and CD4^+ CD25^+ regulatory T cells of asthmatic rats

Objective： To investigate the influence of Danshen Injection on airway inflammation and CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells（CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tr） of asthmatic rats, and elucidate the possible mechanism of Danshen Injection in treatment of asthma. Methods： 30 Wister rats were randomly divided into control group, asthma group and Danshen Injection treated group. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluids （BALF） were collected, and cytology studies were conducted. Lung tissues were obtained and pathologic analyses were done with hematoxylin and eosin stain （HE）. Flow cytometry was used to detect the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tr ratio in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs）. Results： Total cell, the percentage of lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils （Eos） in BALF of Danshen Injection-treated group were lower than that in asthma group （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. Compared with asthma group, less infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissues was observed in Danshen Injection-treated group. CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tr of asthma group was lower than that of control and Danshen Injection treated group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Danshen Injection can suppress airway inflammation of asthmatic rats, probably by increasing the number of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Tr.

Isolation and identification of CD4^+CD25^+ regulatory T cells in rat

Objective： To establish a stable and high efficient method for collection of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells from rats in vitro. Methods： CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells were isolated from the rat splenic cells through two steps by magic cell sorting （MACS） system. The first step was negative selection of CD4^＋T cells by cocktail antibodies and anti-IgG magic microbeads, and the second step was positive selection of CD25^＋T cells by anti-CD25 PE and anti-PE magic microbeads. The purity and viability of separated cells were measured by flow cytometry （FACS） and Trypan blue staining. The suppressive ability of seperated cells on the proliferation of CD4^＋CD25^- T cells was assessed by cell proliferation assay. Results： The purity of negatively enriched CD4^＋ T cells was 79%-87% （83.6%±2.5% ） , and the purity of positively enriched CD4^＋CD25^＋ T cells was 86%- 93% （ 90.2±1.8% ） with the viability of 92%～95% （92.8% ± 3.4% ）. The enriched cells significantly suppressed the proliferation of CD4^＋CD25^- T cells in mixed lymphocyte culture （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： An effective method can be established for enrichment of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells in two steps by MACS, with satisfied cell purity, viability and function.

Effect of CD4^+CD25^+ regulatory T cells in the development of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation

AIM: To investigate whether CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells play a role in the development of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID). METHODS: The dynamic changes in the frequency of CD4(+)D25(+) T cells, CD4(+)D25(+) FoxP3(+) T cells and CD4(+)CD25(+) PD-1(+) T cells from spleens of mice with ACAID were analyzed by flow cytometry. Foxp3 mRNA expression in purified CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells was analyzed using real-time PCR. The suppressive effect of purified CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells on the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells was evaluated by [H-3] thymidine incorporation. A blocking experiment was performed to further address the role of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells in ACAID. The expression of IL-10 in purified CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells was evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS: Increased frequencies of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells, CD4(+)CD25(+) Foxp3(+) T cells and CD4(+)CD25(+) PD-1(+) T cells were observed in ACAID. The CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells from mice with ACAID showed enhanced suppressive effect on the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells. Treatment of BALB/c mice with anti-CD25 antibody after injection of OVA into the anterior chamber significantly inhibited the induction of ACAID. Furthermore, purified CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells from ACAID mice secreted IL-10. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that Treg cells are induced in the mice undergoing ACAID. These Treg cells may play a role in the development of ACAID.

CD4^+CD25^(high) Regulatory Cells in Peripheral Blood of NSCLC Patients

The proportion and changes of CD4^＋CD25^high regulatory T cells （Trs） in peripheral blood of non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） patients were analyzed and their clinical significance explored. The peripheral blood was collected from 61 patients with NSCLC and 15 healthy controls. By using monoclonal antibodies, the blood samples were evaluated with the flow cytometry for lymphocyte subsets （CD3^＋, CD4^＋ and CD8^＋） and CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells. The results showed that the proportion of CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells in NSCLC group was significantly higher than in control group [（4.36 ±2.07） % vs （2.04±1.03） %, P〈0.01]. The proportion of CD4^＋CD25^ high Tr cells in late stage was higher than that in early stage [stages Ⅰ ＋Ⅱ （2.264±0.6） %; stage Ⅲ（3.284± 1.38） %; stage IV （6.06 4±4.08） %] （P〈0.05）. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the prognosis of the patients who had higher proportion of CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells in peripheral blood was worse （P=0.0026）. In conclusion, the relative increase in CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells in peripheral blood may be related to im- munosuppression and tumor progression in patients with NSCLC. This finding suggests that CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cells in peripheral blood of NSCLC may be positive for prognosis analysis. The use of depletion of the CD4^＋CD25^high Tr cell therapy to treat NSCLC patients may be an effective strategy.

Effects of estrogen on CD4^+ CD25^+ regulatory T cell in peripheral blood during pregnancy

Objective To investigate the effects of estrogen(E_2)level on regulatory T cells(Treg)in peripheral blood during pregnancy.Methods:A total of 30 healthy non-pregnant women were selected as control group,90 pregnant women of early,middle and late pregnancy and 30 postpartum women at 1 month after parturition were selected as experimental groups including early pregnancy group,middle pregnancy group and late pregnancy group;the proportions of CD4^+CD25^+Treg and CD4^+CD25^+CD127^-Treg among CD4 T cells were detected by flow cytometry;the serum estrogen content in peripheral blood was detected by electrochemical immune luminescence method.Results:E_2 level was coincident with the change of Tregs number during pregnancy.The estrogen content in peripheral blood increased gradually from early pregnancy to late pregnancy,then decreased significantly after parturition,and the level at 1 month after parturition down to the level in non-pregnancy group(P>0.05);the level of E_2 in pregnancy groups were significantly higher than those in non-pregnancy group(P<0.01);and there were significant differences among early pregnancy group,middle pregnancy group and late pregnancy group(P<0.05).The proportions of CD4^+CD25^+Treg and CD4^+CD25^+CD127^-Treg in pregnancy groups were significantly higher than those in non-pregnancy group(P<0.05),but decreased significantly after parturition,and there was no significant difference between non-pregnancy group and postpartum women group(P>0.05):the proportions in middle and late pregnancy groups were significantly higher than those in early pregnancy group(P<0.05).but decreased slightly in late pregnancy group,there was no significant difference between late pregnancy group and middle pregnancy group(P>0.05).There was correlation between Tregs number with estrogen level during pregnancy.The proportion of CD4^+CD25^+Treg and CD4^+CD25^+CD 127^-Treg were positively correlated with estrogen level.Conclusions:High proportion of CD4^+CD25^+Trcg and CD4^+CD25^+CD127^-Treg is closely related to the high level of E,during pregnancy.It suggested that high level of estrogen may induce an increase of CD4^+CD25^+Treg in peripheral blood.and then influence the immune function of pregnant women.The results of this experiment might play an important role of estrogen in immune-modulation during pregnancy.

CD4^+CXCR5^+ T cells activate CD27^+IgG^+ B cells via IL-21 in patients with hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND： Chronic hepatitis C virus （HCV） infection causes the skewing and activation of B cell subsets, but the characteristics of IgG＋ B cells in patients with chronic hepa- titis C （CHC） infection have not been thoroughly elucidated. CD4＋CXCR5＋ follicular helper T （Tfh） cells, via interleukin （IL）-21 secretion, activate B cells. However, the role of CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells in the activation ofIgG＋ B cells in CHC patients is not clear. METHODS： The frequency of IgG＋ B cells, including CD27-IgG＋ B and CD27＋IgG＋ B cells, the expression of the activation markers （CD86 and CD95） in IgG＋ B cells, and the percentage of circu- lating CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells were detected by flow cytometry in CHC patients （n=70） and healthy controls （n=25）. The con- centrations of serum IL-21 were analyzed using ELISA. The role of CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells in the activation of IgG＋ B cells was investigated using a co-culture system. RESULTS： A significantly lower proportion of CD27＋IgG＋ B cells with increased expression of CD86 and CD95 was observed in CHC patients. The expression of CD95 was negatively correlated with the percentage of CD27＋IgG＋ B cells, and it contributed to CD27＋IgG＋ B cell apoptosis. Circulating CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells and serum IL-21 were significantly increased in CHC patients. Moreover, circulating CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells from CHC patients induced higher expressions of CD86 and CD95 in CD27＋IgG＋ B cells in a co-culture system; the blockade of the IL-21 decreased the expression levels of CD86 and CD95 in CD27＋IgG＋ B cells.CONCLUSIONS： HCV infection increased the frequency of CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells and decreased the frequency of CD27＋IgG＋ B cells. CD4＋CXCR5＋ T cells activated CD27＋IgG＋ B cells via the secretion of IL-21.

All-transRetinoic Acid Regulates Th1/Th2 Balance in CD4+T cells When GATA-3 is Deficient

The essential effect of vitamin A on immune function occurs through various mechanisms including direct effect on ThloTh2 balance modulation. However, it is unclear whether or not vitamin A can regulate Thl-Th2 balance under a strong Thl-polarizing condition. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to examine the effect of vitamin A metabolite allotrans retinoic acid （ATRA） on ThloTh2 differentiation in CD4~ T cells under GATA-3 deficiency, which can induce Thl-polarizing condition. In the present study, GATA-3 deficiency T cells were induced by siRNA and checked by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. GATA-3 deficiency CD4＋ T cells and normal CD4＋ T were treated for 48 h with or without ATRA.

Upregulated adenosine 2A receptor accelerates post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome by promoting CD4+T cells’T helper 17 polarization

BACKGROUND Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome(PI-IBS)is generally regarded as a functional disease.Several recent studies have reported the involvement of lowgrade inflammation and immunological dysfunction in PI-IBS.T helper 17(Th17)polarization occurs in IBS.Adenosine and its receptors participate in intestinal inflammation and immune regulation.AIM To investigate the role of Th17 polarization of CD4+T cells regulated by adenosine 2A receptor(A2AR)in PI-IBS.METHODS A PI-IBS model was established by infecting mice with Trichinella spiralis.The intestinal A2AR and CD4+T lymphocytes were detected by immunohistochemistry,and the inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay.CD4+T lymphocytes present in the animal’s spleen were separated and cultured with or without A2AR agonist and antagonist.Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine the effect of A2AR on the cells and intestinal tissue.Cytokine production was determined.The protein and mRNA levels of A2AR associated signaling pathway molecules were also evaluated.Furthermore,A2AR agonist and antagonist were injected into the mouse model and the clinical features were observed.RESULTS The PI-IBS mouse model showed increased expression of ATP and A2AR(P<0.05),and inhibition of A2AR improved the clinical features in PI-IBS,including the abdominal withdrawal reflex and colon transportation test(P<0.05).The number of intestinal CD4+T cells and interleukin-17(IL-17)protein levels increased during PI-IBS,which was reversed by administration of the A2AR antagonist(P<0.05).CD4+T cells expressed A2AR and produced IL-17 in vitro,which was regulated by the A2AR agonist and antagonist.The A2AR antagonist increased the production of IL-17 by CD4+T cells via the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcriptionreceptor-related orphan receptorγsignaling pathway.CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggested that the upregulation of A2AR increases PI-IBS by promoting the Th17 polarization of CD4+T cells.

抗原特异性CD4^+CD25^+T细胞对同种异体胰岛移植影响及作用机制研究

目的探讨抗原特异性CD4+CD25+Treg细胞免疫对同种异体胰岛急性移植排斥反应的影响和机制。方法用MACS分选供体抗原特异性CD4+CD25+Treg细胞免疫糖尿病BALB/cByJ受体小鼠,以ICR小鼠胰岛为供体行同种异体胰岛移植。观察移植后小鼠的存活时间、移植前后外周血CD4+和CD8+T细胞亚群的变化和移植物中Th1/Th2细胞因子mRNA表达水平的变化。结果抗原特异性Treg细胞联合胰岛移植组(C组)胰岛移植物平均生存期为(34.57±17.15)d,显著长于单纯胰岛移植组(B组)的(10.6±1.82)d(P<0.01);移植后第3天,C组外周血CD4+/CD8+的值显著低于B组(P<0.01);C组移植物中IL-10,TGF-βmRNA表达比B组显著增强。B组移植物中IL-1β,IL-2及IFN-γmRNA表达明显强于C组。结论抗原特异性CD4+CD25+Treg细胞可通过调节Th2/Th1之间的反应平衡而延长同种异体胰岛移植物的存活时间。

TGF-β_1和COX-2对CD_4^+CD_(25)^+调节性T细胞的调控作用

作为一种抑制性T细胞功能亚群,CD4+CD2+5调节性T细胞(CD4+CD2+5Treg)在维持机体的免疫自稳和免疫耐受方面发挥了关键作用。近年来研究表明,CD4+CD2+5Treg能通过相同的机制削弱机体的抗肿瘤效应。在乳腺癌、卵巢癌、肺癌以及肝癌等多种实体肿瘤和血液恶性肿瘤患者外周血和肿瘤局部微环境中,CD4+CD25+Treg比例增高,且数目与患者肿瘤进展程度和预后、生存率呈负相关,是免疫治疗的新的有效靶点。现就转化生长因子β1和环氧合酶2对CD4+CD2+5Treg参与肿瘤免疫逃逸的调控及作用方式予以综述。

肺癌患者胸腔积液及外周血CD_4^+CD_(25)^+T细胞、Foxp3基因表达及意义

目的探讨CD4+CD2+5T细胞及Foxp3基因在肺癌发生、发展中的作用及机制。方法流式细胞仪检测32例肺癌合并胸腔积液患者外周血、胸腔积液及30例无胸腔积液肺癌患者外周血、胸腔冲洗液中CD4+CD2+5T细胞水平,RT-PCR法检测特异性转录因子Foxp3基因在胸腔积液及外周血中的表达。结果肺癌合并胸腔积液患者胸腔积液中CD4+CD25+T细胞水平显著高于无胸腔积液患者胸腔冲洗液及外周血;Foxp3基因在肺癌患者外周血和胸腔积液中呈高表达。结论肺癌患者外周血和胸腔积液中增高的CD4+CD2+5T细胞主要是CD4+CD2+5调节性T细胞。CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞可促进肺癌的进一步恶化,其机制可能是抑制肿瘤免疫。

CD4^+ CD25^+调节性T细胞及其相关因子在恶性肿瘤患者胸腔积液及外周血中的表达

目的:探讨CD4^+CD25^+调节性T细胞及其相关因子在恶性肿瘤患者胸腔积液及外周血中的表达。方法:选取42例恶性肿瘤胸腔积液患者为研究组,38例健康体检者为对照组,采用流式细胞仪(FCM)和酶联免疫法(ELISA)检测研究组胸腔积液和外周血、对照组外周血中CD4^+CD25^+/CD4^+比例、淋巴细胞亚群以及转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)和干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)水平。结果:研究组胸腔积液及外周血中CD4^+CD25^+/CD4^+比例及TGF-β1、IL-10水平均显著高于对照组(P<0.01),且胸腔积液高于外周血(P<0.01),而IFN-γ水平显著低于对照组,且胸腔积液低于外周血(P<0.01)。结论:对恶性肿瘤患者外周血和胸腔积液中CD4^+ CD25^+调节性T细胞及TGF-β1、IL-10和IFN-γ水平进行检测有利于判断病情预后和转归。

Soluble MICB in Plasma and Urine Explains Population Expansions of NKG2D⁺CD4 T Cells Inpatients with Juvenile-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abnormal NKG2D ligand expression has been implicated in the initiation and maintenance of various auto-inflammatory disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study’s goal was to identify the cellular contexts providing NKG2D ligands for stimulation of the immunosuppressive NKG2D+CD4 T cell subset that has been implicated in modulating juvenile-onset SLE disease activity. Although previous observations with NKG2D+CD4 T cells in healthy individuals pointed towards peripheral B cell and myeloid cell compartments as possible sites of enhanced NKG2DL presence, we found no evidence for a disease-associated increase of NKG2DL-positivity among juvenile-onset SLE B cells and monocytes. However, juvenile-onset SLE patient plasma and matched urine samples were positive by ELISA for the soluble form of the NKG2D ligands MICA and MICB, suggesting that kidney and/or peripheral blood may constitute the NKG2DL positive microenvironments driving NKG2D+CD4 T cell population expansions in this disease.

健康人群CD_4^+CD_(25)^+调节性T细胞分布规律与年龄、性别的相关性研究

目的探讨正常人CD4+CD2+5调节性T细胞与年龄、性别的相关性。方法采用流式细胞术检测74例男性和67例女性不同年龄组健康体检者的外周血CD4+CD2+5调节性T细胞数量。结果男性为(106.45±47.69)/μl,女性为(91.83±33.89)/μl,两者差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。在各年龄组的比较中,31～40岁,41～50岁年龄组均明显高于21～30岁年龄组(P<0.05);51～60岁年龄组值明显低于31～40岁年龄组(P<0.05)。在31～40岁年龄组男性显著高于女性,具有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论 CD4+CD2+5调节性T细胞分布规律与年龄、性别有关。

Regulatory T cells suppress autoreactive CD4^+ T cell response to bladder epithelial antigen

AIM： To investigate the role of regulatory T （Treg） cells in CD4^＋ T cell-mediated bladder autoimmune infammation. METHODS： Urothelium-ovalbumin （URO-OVA）/OT-II mice, a double transgenic line that expresses the membrane form of the model antigen （Ag） OVA as a self-Ag on the urothelium and the OVA-specific CD4^＋ T cell receptor specifc for the I-Ab/OVA323-339 epitope in the periphery, were developed to provide an autoimmune environment for investigation of the role of Treg cells in bladder autoimmune infammation. To facilitate Treg cell analysis, we further developed URO-OVA^GFP-Foxp3/OT-II mice, a derived line of URO-OVA/OT-II mice that express the green fuorescent protein （GFP）-forkhead box protein P3 （Foxp3） fusion protein. RESULTS： URO-OVA/OT-II mice failed to develop bladder infammation despite the presence of autoreactive CD4^＋ T cells. By monitoring GFP-positive cells, bladder infltration of CD4^＋ Treg cells was observed in URO-OVA^GFP-Foxp3/OT-II mice. The infiltrating Treg cells were functionally active and expressed Treg cell effector molecule as well as marker mRNAs including transforming growth factor-β, interleukin （IL）-10, fibrinogen-like protein 2, and glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor （GITR）. Studies further revealed that Treg cells from URO-OVA^GFP-Foxp3/OT-II mice were suppressive and inhibited autoreactive CD4^＋ T cell proliferation and interferon （IFN）-g production in response to OVA Ag stimulation. Depletion of GITR-positive cells led to spontaneous development of bladder infammation and expression of inflammatory factor mRNAs for IFN-γ, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and nerve growth factor in URO-OVA^GFP-Foxp3/OT-II mice. CONCLUSION： Treg cells specifc for bladder epithelial Ag play an important role in immunological homeostasis and the control of CD4^＋ T cell-mediated bladder autoimmune infammation.

Greater Expansion of IFN-<i>γ</i>^﹣CD4⁺NKT Cells in HIV-1 Compared with HIV-2-Infected Subjects with Preserved CD4⁺T Cell Counts

Context: Human Natural Killer T cells are T lymphocytes that express an invariant αβ T cells receptors and NK cells receptors. They regulate innate and adaptive immune response but are susceptible to HIV-1 infection. Objective: We compare the frequency and the activity of NKT cells in HIV-1 and HIV-2 infected individuals with CD4+ counts greater than 500/mm3 using flow cytometry after overnight stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Results: The frequency of NKT cells was similar between both groups and also to sero-negative control subjects. There were also no significant differences in the proportions of total NKT cells and the CD4+ NKT subset that secreted interferon gamma (IFN-γ) after polyclonal stimulation. However, there was a significantly higher frequency of IFN-γ﹣ CD4+ NKT cells in HIV-1-infected compared with HIV-2 infected subjects (p = 0.043). Conclusion: These data suggest there is no relationship between the functional activity of NKT cell subsets and the total NKT cell population in HIV infection. The expansion of IFN-γ﹣ CD4+ NKT cells in HIV-1 infection may serve as target for viral infection and may eventually result in their depletion during chronic infection.