T cell subset composition in remission phase of systemic connective tissue diseases.

The proportions and numbers of peripheral blood mononuclear cells bearing T-cell markers (CD3/HLA-DR, CD4/CD29, CD4/CD45, CD8/CD56) were analyzed using two-color flow cytometric analysis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sj?gren's syndrome (SS) in the remission phase of the diseases. The number of T cells (CD3+) in the blood was significantly decreased in SLE patients only; in these patients, but also in RA patients, an increased number of activated T cells (CD3+ HLA-DR+) was found. The number and proportion of helper T cells (CD4+) were decreased in SLE and SS, and normal in RA patients. In contrast, helper-inducer (CD4+ CD29+) and suppression-inducer (CD4+ CD45+) cells were both significantly increased in RA patients, decreased in SLE (only CD4+ CD45+ significantly) and unchanged in SS patients. Interestingly, however, the proportions of helper-inducer cells relative to total helper (CD4+) cell pool were significantly increased in all three groups of patients, whereas the proportion of suppression-inducer (CD4+ CD45+) cells was significantly decreased, but in SLE patients only. It is thus possible that this parameter is most pertinent to the disease status in the model studied. The population of CD8+ cells appeared more abundant in SLE patients, and the pool of CD8+ CD56+ cell was significantly enlarged in RA patients. It appears that the remission phase of disease in RA, SLE and SS patients still contains a substantial activation of the immune system, but the respective mechanisms are quite different in RA patients on one side, and SLE and SS patients on the other side.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Partial reduction of human FOXP3+ CD4 T cells in vivo after CD25-directed recombinant immunotoxin administration

The regulation of tolerance to self-proteins and the suppression of T-cell responses have in part been attributed to the activity of CD25+CD4+ T regulatory (Treg) cells. Further, Treg cells can inhibit the antitumor effectiveness of adoptive immunotherapy and active immunization approaches in preclinical models. In an effort to selectively eliminate Treg cells from human peripheral blood mononuclear cell to potentially bolster antitumor responses, we have evaluated the Treg-cell depleting capacity of the CD25-directed immunotoxin, RFT5-SMPT-dgA. In preclinical studies, incubation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell with RFT5-SMPT-dgA mediated a partial reduction in the levels of CD25+, Foxp3-expressing CD4+ T cells in vitro. Administration of RFT5-SMPT-dgA to 6 patients with metastatic melanoma induced a transient but robust reduction in the number of CD25high CD4 T cells in vivo (a 97.5% mean reduction at nadir; from 69.4 +/- 12.4 cells/miroL to 1.7 +/- 0.3 cells/microL). The reduction in FOXP3+ CD4 T-cell number was less comprehensive (a 71.3% mean reduction at nadir; from 66.6 +/- 16.5 cells/microL to 14.2 +/- 3.9 cells/tL). This resulted in the selective persistence of a stable number of CD25(low/neg) FOXP3+ CD4+ T cells in vivo. No objective antitumor responses were seen in any patient. Our results indicate that the CD25-directed, RFT5-SMPT-dgA immunotoxin can mediate a transient, partial reduction in Treg-cell frequency and number in vitro and in vivo and suggest that comprehensive eradication of human Treg cells in vivo may require the ability to target and eliminate FOXP3+ CD4+ T cells expressing both high and low levels of CD25.     

急性GVHD发生与未发生者移植物FOXP3 mRNA表达的差异性研究

本研究探讨移植物FOXP3mRNA表达与HLA相合同胞供者异基因造血干细胞移植后急性移植物抗宿主病(aGVHD)的关系。对26例HLA相合同胞供者异基因造血干细胞移植患者移植物CD4+CD25+和CD4+CD25highT细胞、FOXP3mRNA表达与aGVHD的关系进行了评价。用流式细胞术检测了脐血、正常人外周血、移植物的CD4+CD25+和CD4+CD25highT细胞比例;以β2-MG为内参照,实时定量RT-PCR检测了FOXP3mRNA相对表达量,采用融解曲线和琼脂糖电泳鉴定PCR产物特异性。结果表明正常人外周血、动员的外周血干细胞(PBSC)和BM移植物CD4+CD25+T细胞为连续的细胞群,CD4+CD25+T和CD4+CD25highT细胞比例分别为(48.5±16.3)%和(9.6±2.5)%,(42.1±14.7)%和(13.1±4.2)%,(43.4±9.6)%和(14.6±4.5)%。aGVHD组移植物CD4+CD25highT细胞比例和绝对值与无aGVHD组相比无显著差异(P>0.05)。不同稀释倍数的FOXP3和β2-MG实时定量PCR相对扩增效率曲线斜率为0.0826;融解曲线分析表明均仅有单一峰,Tm值分别为86.5℃和82.3℃;琼脂糖电泳显示都仅有单一扩增产物。PBSC移植中无aGVHD组FOXP3mRNA相对表达量(中位数41.0×10-5)是有aGVHD组(中位数12.9×10-5)的318%,二者有显著性差异(P=0.03)。COX回归法分析排除aGVHD其他相关因素的影响。结论CD25不是CD4+调控性T细胞可靠的细胞标志;应用SYBRGreenI实时定量RT-PCR方法可特异定量FOXP3mRNA;aGVHD组移植物FOXP3mRNA显著低于aGVHD未发生组。FOXP3是调控性T细胞可靠标志,可能是预测aGVHD的有用指标之一。     

CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞及TGF-β1与系统性红斑狼疮病情活动性关系的研究

目的 检测系统性红斑狼疮患者(SLE)外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞、转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)浓度,探讨其与疾病活动性的关系.方法 选择SLE患者76例,根据患者病情程度分为3组,其中稳定组17例,活动组33例,肾病组26例.同期选择24例健康体检者作为正常对照.采用流式细胞仪检测SLE患者外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞群比率,用ELISA法检测血清中TGF-β1浓度.观察CD4+CD25+T细胞群、TGF-β1浓度与SLE患者疾病活动程度的关系.结果 ①活动期SLE患者外周血CD4+ CD25 +调节性T细胞群比率、TGF-β1浓度显著低于稳定期及正常对照组(P<0.01),疾病稳定期与正常对照组结果差异无统计学意义.②SLE并发肾病组外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞群比例、TGF-β1浓度显著低于非肾病组(P<0.05).结论 SLE患者外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞群比率、TGF-β1浓度与SLE活动性关系密切,可能是导致疾病发生和病情发展的关键环节之一.     

肺癌患者外周血CD4+CD25+FOXP3+调节性T细胞的表达及临床意义

目的通过研究肺癌患者外周血中CD4 CD25 FOXP3 调节性T淋巴细胞的变化,探讨肺癌的发病机制。方法用荧光标记的单克隆抗体染色外周血单个核细胞,利用流式细胞仪检测CD4 CD25 FOXP3 调节性T淋巴细胞的改变。结果肺癌患者外周血CD4 CD25 FOXP3 调节性T淋巴细胞显著增多。结论CD4 CD25 FOXP3 调节性T淋巴细胞的增多与机体的免疫力下降以及肿瘤的发生发展有一定关系。     

流式细胞术检测RA患者外周血CD4^＋CD25^＋FOXP3^＋ Treg细胞及其GITR表达

目的研究FOXP3和糖皮质激素诱导的肿瘤坏死因子受体(GITR)在类风湿关节炎(RA)患者外周血Treg细胞的表达并探讨其临床意义。方法用五色流式细胞术(FCM)检测40例健康体检者、61例RA患者外周血CD4 CD25 FOXP3 调节性T细胞(Treg)及其中GITR的表达情况。结果RA患者组FOXP3的平均荧光强度(MFI)低于健康对照组(P<0.05),CD4 CD25 FOXP3 Treg占CD4 T细胞的比例、CD4 CD25 FOXP3 Treg中GITR的表达率、GITR MFI和健康对照组相比无统计学差异(P>0.05);活动期RA患者的FOXP3 MFI和GITR MFI均显著低于非活动期组(P<0.01和P=0.032),CD4 CD25 FOXP3 Treg占CD4 T细胞中的比例、CD4 CD25 FOXP3 Treg中GITR的表达率与非活动期组相比无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论RA患者的FOXP3表达低下,活动期组的FOXP3表达低于非活动期组,为其作为RA病情变化的判断指标提供进一步的证据。     

Inability to mediate prolonged reduction of regulatory T Cells after transfer of autologous CD25-depleted PBMC and interleukin-2 after lymphodepleting chemotherapy

CD25CD4 regulatory T cells (Treg) regulate peripheral self-tolerance and possess the ability to suppress antitumor responses, which may explain the poor clinical response of cancer patients undergoing active immunization protocols, and provides the rationale for neutralizing Treg cells in vivo to strengthen local antitumor immune responses. Because interleukin-2 (IL-2) mediates tumor regression in about 15% of treated patients but simultaneously increases Treg cells, we hypothesized that transient elimination of Treg cells will enhance the clinical effectiveness of IL-2 therapy. In the current study, 5 patients with metastatic melanoma who were refractory to prior IL-2 received a lymphodepleting preparative regimen followed by the adoptive transfer of autologous lymphocytes depleted of CD25 Treg cells and high-dose IL-2 administration. CD25 cells were eliminated from patient leukapheresis samples using a clinical-grade, large-scale immunomagnetic system, leaving CD8 and CD25CD4 T cells intact. In the early aftermath of CD25 Treg cell-depleted cell infusion, CD25FOXP3+ CD4 Treg cells rapidly repopulated the peripheral blood of treated patients with 18% to 63% of CD4 T cells expressing FOXP3. Recovering CD25CD4 T cells exhibited suppressive activity against CD25CD4 effector T-cell proliferation in vitro. No patient experienced objective tumor regression or autoimmunity. Our results indicate that in vivo transfer of autologous CD25-depleted mononuclear populations to lymphopenic patients in combination with high-dose IL-2 is not sufficient to mediate prolonged reduction of Treg cells after IL-2 administration.     

Defective regulatory and effector T cell functions in patients with FOXP3 mutations

The autoimmune disease immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) is caused by mutations in the forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3) gene. In the mouse model of FOXP3 deficiency, the lack of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs is responsible for lethal autoimmunity, indicating that FOXP3 is required for the differentiation of this Treg subset. We show that the number and phenotype of CD4+ CD25+ T cells from IPEX patients are comparable to those of normal donors. CD4+ CD25high T cells from IPEX patients who express FOXP3 protein suppressed the in vitro proliferation of effector T cells from normal donors, when activated by "weak" TCR stimuli. In contrast, the suppressive function of CD4+ CD25high T cells from IPEX patients who do not express FOXP3 protein was profoundly impaired. Importantly, CD4+ CD25high T cells from either FOXP3+ or FOXP3- IPEX patients showed altered suppression toward autologous effector T cells. Interestingly, IL-2 and IFN-gamma production by PBMCs from IPEX patients was significantly decreased. These findings indicate that FOXP3 mutations in IPEX patients result in heterogeneous biological abnormalities, leading not necessarily to a lack of differentiation of CD4+ CD25high Tregs but rather to a dysfunction in these cells and in effector T cells.     

系统性红斑狼疮患者外周血中CD_4~+、CD_(25)~+T细胞的变化及其与疾病活动性的关系

目的:观察活动性和缓解期系统性红斑狼疮(systemic lupus erythematosus,SLE)患者外周血中的CD4+、CD25+T细胞(调节性T细胞)的变化及其与疾病活动性的关系,并探讨其意义。方法:选择门诊及住院SLE患者30例(其中活动性10例),健康体检者10例,分为活动性SLE组、非活动性SLE组和对照组。分离外周血单个核细胞,应用流式细胞仪检测CD4+、CD25+T细胞。活动性SLE组给予免疫抑制剂治疗,病情稳定后再次检测CD4+、CD25+T细胞。结果:活动性SLE组CD4+、CD25+T细胞较对照组和非活动性SLE组明显减少。活动性SLE组经治疗后病情缓解,外周血中CD4+、CD25+T细胞较治疗前升高。CD4+、CD25+T细胞百分率与狼疮活动指数呈显著负相关。结论:CD4+、CD25+T细胞减少与SLE的活动有关,活动性SLE经治疗病情缓解后外周血中CD4+、CD25+T细胞升高。     

系统性红斑狼疮和类风湿性关节炎T细胞异常调节与免疫功能紊乱的研究

目的分析系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)和类风湿性关节炎(RA)外周血T细胞亚群表面共刺激信号分子表达,探讨人类SLE和RA中T细胞免疫紊乱状态。方法采用流式细胞技术检测SLE、RA患者外周血T细胞亚群表面CD28、CD152、诱导性共刺激因子(ICOS)、CD154、CD30和CD95分子表达。结果与健康对照组比较,SLE和RA患者组分别为CD3 CD8 T细胞和CD3 CD4 T细胞增加(P<0.05);SLE患者CD4 T细胞和CD8 T细胞上CD28和CD152分子表达率均增加,ICOS分子表达减少(P均<0.05),CD154和CD30分子表达率均下降;RA患者2类T细胞亚群上CD28分子表达均降低,CD152分子表达率均增加(P均<0.05),ICOS分子表达率无明显变化,CD154和CD30分子表达率分别增加或减少;SLE和RA患者CD4 T细胞和CD8 T细胞上CD95分子表达率均明显增加。结论SLE和RA有不同的外周T细胞亚群平衡失控;T细胞的异常活化受复杂的细胞共刺激信号网络分子调控。     

系统性红斑狼疮患者外周血淋巴细胞CD28/CTLA-4分子表达的研究

目的探讨系统性红斑狼疮(systemic lupus erythematosus,SLE)患者外周血淋巴细胞CD28/CTLA-4分子和CD28/CTLA-4mRNA的表达。方法研究对象为SLE患者49例(活跃期30例、缓解期19例)及对照组23例。外周血单个核细胞(peripheral blood mononuclear cell,PBMCs)经梯度密度离心法分离后分佛波醇乙酯(PMA)(10ng/ml)及伊屋诺霉素(500ng/ml)刺激组和不加刺激剂组两组培养。将PBMCs分别培养24、48、72及96小时。应用流式细胞计量术(flow cytometry,FCM)检测外周血淋巴细胞培养前后CD28及CTLA-4分子的表达。采用RT-PCR方法检测CD28mRNA和CTLA-4mRNA的表达。结果刺激前后SLE患者CD3+及CD8+T细胞上CD28分子表达量与对照组比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。刺激前活跃期SLE患者CD3+T细胞上CTLA-4分子表达量较对照组明显降低[(0.78±0.51)%vs(1.34±0.76)%,P<0.05]。刺激后72小时SLE患者CD3+T细胞及CD8+T细胞上CTLA-4分子表达量仍低于对照组,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。刺激前后PBMCs中CD28mRNA及CTLA-4mRNA表达情况与刺激前后CD3+T细胞上CD28及CTLA-4分子变化情况相似。刺激前SLE患者CD3+T细胞上CTLA-4分子表达量与SLE活动指数(SLEDAI)呈显著的直线负相关关系(P<0.001)。结论 SLE患者T细胞CTLA-4分子存在表达及上调机制障碍,提示CD28分子及CTLA-4分子存在功能失衡,这种失衡可能通过一定的机制参与SLE的发病过程。     

Ⅰ型干扰素受体在系统性红斑狼疮患者CD4~+CD25~+调节性T细胞的检测和意义

目的检测系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)患者CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞(Treg)上Ⅰ型干扰素受体(IFNAR)的分布格局,了解Ⅰ型干扰素对SLE患者CD4+CD25+Treg产生直接影响的作用靶点。方法选取2010年9月-2011年10月间20例初次确诊的SLE患者(SLE组)和20例健康女性(对照组),分离SLE患者和对照组的外周血单个核细胞,采用流式细胞术测定CD4+CD25+Treg上IFNAR的表达。结果①IFNAR1、IFNAR2在Treg和CD4+CD25 T细胞表面均有表达;两组Treg表面IFNAR1和IFNAR2的表达水平均高于CD4+CD25 T细胞。②与对照组相比,SLE组Treg表面IFNAR1表达的平均荧光强度明显增高(P=0.001)。③SLE组Treg表面IFNAR1表达平均荧光强度与疾病活动指数评分呈正相关(rs=0.505,P=0.023)。结论 SLE患者CD4+CD25+Treg表面相对高表达IFNAR1且与疾病活动性相关,提示Ⅰ型干扰素以Treg上IFNAR为靶点在SLE发病机制中可能发挥重要作用,为SLE等自身免疫性疾病治疗寻找新的干预手段提供了理论基础。     

再生障碍性贫血患者CD4+ CD25+ CD127low调节性T细胞及Notch1表达水平的变化

目的 测定再生障碍性贫血(AA)患者治疗前后外周血CD4+ CD25+ CD127low调节性T细胞(Treg)的数量及叉头翼状螺旋转录因子(FOXP3)mRNA、Notch1 mRNA的表达水平,探讨Treg在AA发病中的作用及其机制.方法 流式细胞术检测29例初发AA患者、14例环孢素(CsA)治疗后恢复期及11例治疗后未恢复期患者外周血中CD4+ CD25+ CD127low T细胞、CD4+ CD25+ T细胞的数量,并与正常对照比较;采用RT-PCR检测FOXP3 mRNA和Notch1 mRNA的表达水平,分析两者相关性.结果AA初发组及治疗后未恢复组患者外周血中活化CD4+ CD25+ T细胞占CD4+ T细胞比例分别为(4.3±0.7)%、(4.2±0.6)%,明显高于正常对照组[(2.4±0.8)%](P＜0.05).CsA治疗后恢复组患者比例下降为(2.6±0.7)%(P＜0.05),与对照组比较差异无统计学意义.AA初发组及未恢复组CD4+ CD25+ CD127low T细胞在CD4+ T细胞中的比例分别为(2.4±1.2)%、(2.5±1.1)%,较正常对照组[(7.1±2.7)%]及恢复组[(5.3±1.0)%]明显降低(P值均＜0.01);但后两组比较差异无统计学意义.AA初发组患者FOXP3 mRNA及Notch1 mRNA分别为(0.260±0.011)和(0.018±0.005),较正常对照[(1.307±0.011)和(0.308±0.028)]表达明显下调(P值均＜0.01),治疗后分别为(1.287±0.012)和(0.281±0.013),表达较初发组显著提高(P值均＜0.01),与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P值均＞0.05).AA患者CD4+ CD25+ CD127low T细胞、FOXP3均与Notch1表达呈正相关性(P值均＜0.01).结论AA患者外周血CD4+ CD25+ CD127low Treg减少,其抑制作用减弱,导致自身反应性T细胞过度活化,抑制造血.其作用机制之一可能与靶细胞表面Notch1分子表达降低相关.     

Aberrations in the primary T-cell receptor repertoire as a predisposition for synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an HLA-DR associated disease with a pivotal role of T cells in the pathogenesis. The mechanisms underlying the HLA association and the generation of a synovial T-cell response are unclear. We have hypothesized that the selection of the primary T-cell repertoire is a predisposing factor for rheumatoid synovitis. METHODS: The repertoire of T-cell receptors (TCR) expressed by circulating naive CD4+ CD45RO- T cells was compared in 10 patients with RA, 11 HLA-DR matched normal donors and 10 mismatched normal donors by determining the frequencies of TCR BV-BJ combinations in 3 different BV gene segment families. Clonally expanded synovium-specific CD4 T cells were identified in 8 patients by TCR BV-BJ-specific PCR of purified T-cell subsets followed by size fractionation and sequencing of the PCR product. The TCR BV-BJ repertoires of naive peripheral T cells and of synovial clones were compared. RESULTS: The repertoires of naive circulating CD4+ CD45RO- T cells were different in RA patients and in HLA-DR matched and unmatched controls, suggesting HLA-DR as well as disease-specific features of T-cell selection. To test the disease relevance of the shifts in the naive repertoire, CD4 T cells undergoing joint-specific clonal expansion were identified. The usage of BV-BJ gene combinations in these synovium-specific clones was biased and significantly different from the expected distribution with a preference for combinations favored in the naive TCR repertoire of RA patients. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that primary T-cell selection in RA patients is of functional importance for the generation of synovium-specific T-cell responses. The synovial repertoire is influenced by aberrations in the naive T-cell repertoire that might indicate a defect in thymic education with the selection of high-affinity self-reactive T cells in RA.     

系统性红斑狼疮患者外周血天然调节性T细胞检测及临床意义

目的探讨流式细胞术检测CD4^＋CD25^＋叉头状转录因子（Foxp3）^＋天然调节性T细胞的方法及其在系统性红斑狼疮（SLE）患者外周血中改变的意义。方法建立三色流式细胞术检测天然调节性T细胞的方法，并检测了15例SLE患者和15名健康对照者外周血CD4^＋CD25^＋Foxp3^＋调节性T细胞比例以及CD4^＋细胞中CD25的表达水平。结果SLE患者外周血中天然调节性T细胞为（1．03±0．42）％，显著低于健康对照组的（5．88±1．40）％（P〈0．01）；CD4^＋淋巴细胞中CD25^＋细胞的表达水平[（5．92±3．80）％]也显著低于健康对照组[（32．01±5、70）％，P〈0．01]。结论三色流式细胞术适合检测外周血中天然调节性T细胞，SLE患者存在天然调节性T细胞免疫缺陷。     

RA患者外周血CD4/CD8 T细胞比值及CD4+ CD25+ T细胞的检测及其临床意义

目的 观察活动期类风湿性关节炎（RA）患者外周血T细胞CD4／CD8比值及CD4^＋ CD25^＋T细胞（Tn细胞）的数量,探讨其在RA诊治中的价值。方法 用流式细胞术检测CD4^＋ CD25^＋T细胞及TR细胞的数量。结果 49例急性期RA患者的CD4／CD8比值和TR细胞数量显著高于正常人群组。28例RA患者治疗后的TR细胞数量显著高于治疗前,而CD4／CD8比值的变化无统计学意义。结论 RA治疗后症状改善患者,TR细胞数量明显上升,RA的发病和发展与该细胞数量密切相关。     

Depressed effector activity of OKT4+ and OKT8+ T cell subsets in lectin-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity to HEP-2 cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

The role of OKT4+ and OKT8+ T cell subsets was studied in depressed lectin-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (LDCC) against adherent HEp-2 target cells by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). LDCC activity was evaluated by detachment from the monolayer of 3H-TdR-prelabelled HEp-2 cells in a 24 hr assay at 50:1 effector-target cell ratio in the presence of 25 micrograms/ml concanavalin A (Con A). Decreased levels of LDCC were performed by all studied effector cell populations of SLE patients, including both OKT4+ and OKT8+ T cell fractions. LDCC by isolated OKT8+ T cells was superior to that by OKT4+ and unfractionated T lymphocytes from all healthy and SLE subjects. This suggests that the defect of LDCC activity in SLE did not affect the inherently higher LDCC effector activity of OKT8+ to OKT4+ cells. In parallel studies a reduced proliferation of PBMC in response to Con A and failure of OKT8+ T cells to suppress Con A-induced blastogenesis was observed in patients with SLE.     

The classical and alternative pathways of T-lymphocyte activation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus]

AIM: To study activation of T-lymphocytes by the CD3 (antigen-dependent) and CD2 (non-antigen-dependent) routes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclears were studied in 66 patients with SLE and 27 donors. Proliferative response to activation by anti-CD3, anti-CD3+ phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and autologous erythrocytes in combinations with PMA and recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) was assessed. RESULTS: T-cell proliferation was at least two times increased under the effect of CD3 in 40.9% patients and in 100% normal subjects. Stimulation with CD3 antibodies in combination with PMA leveled the differences due to boosting of T-cell response in SLE patients. PMA alone caused mononuclear proliferation in 25% patients with SLE but not in normal subjects. Decreased response of T-cells to adhesive stimulus (autologous erythrocytes + PMA) in SLE patients was leveled by rIL-2. CONCLUSION: The proliferative response of T-lymphocytes is decreased upon stimulation with CD3 and CD2 and in some patients increased by PMA in submitogenic doses, added alone or in combination with anti-CD3.     

Large-scale depletion of CD25+ regulatory T cells from patient leukapheresis samples

The ability to selectively enrich or deplete T lymphocytes of specific phenotype and function holds significant promise for application in adoptive immunotherapy protocols. Although CD4+ T cells can have an impact on CD8+ T-cell effector function, memory, and maintenance, a subset of CD4+ T cells, CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg), can regulate peripheral self tolerance and possess the ability to suppress antitumor responses. The authors report the ability to selectively deplete CD25+ Treg cells from patient leukapheresis samples using a clinical-grade, large-scale immunomagnetic system. Using leukapheresis samples containing up to 1.3 x 10(10) white blood cells, efficient depletion of Treg cells was measured by flow cytometric analysis of CD25 expression and FOXP3 expression on post-depletion products. Remnant CD25+ cells could not be detected in CD25-depleted products after short-term culture in IL-2 or enriched following secondary immunomagnetic selection for CD25+ cells, confirming that efficient depletion had occurred. In parallel to efficient enrichment of CD25- cells, immunomagnetic selection resulted in the recovery of Treg cells, since CD25+ lymphocytes removed during depletion were primarily composed of CD4+ T cells that expressed high levels of FOXP3 and possessed suppressive activity against autologous TCR-stimulated CD4+ CD25- T cells in vitro. These results show that selective separation of functional CD25+ Treg cells from large-scale samples can be performed in large scale under clinical-grade conditions with sufficient selection, recovery, viability, ability to expand, and function for potential use in adoptive immunotherapy.     

人外周血单个核细胞中FOXP3 mRNA与T细胞CDA^＋CD25^＋Treg表达相关性探讨

目的探讨人外周血单个核细胞中FOXP3mRNA的表达与CD4^＋CD25^＋Treg表达的相关性。方法提取人外周血单个核细胞总RNA,逆转录成mRNA,以β-actin为内参照,实时荧光定量RT-PCR检测29例哮喘患儿及24例同龄对照FOXP3mRNA的相对表达量,采用融解曲线和琼脂糖电泳鉴定PCR产物特异性;同时采用流式细胞技术检测CD4^＋CD25^＋Treg的比例。结果哮喘患儿组CD4^＋CD25^＋Treg细胞百分率明显低于同龄对照组,P〈0.01;FOXP3mRNA的表达也显著降低,P〈0.05;FOXP3和β-actin的融解曲线分析表明均仅有单一峰,Tm值分别为82.4℃和87.8℃;琼脂糖电泳显示都仅有单一扩增产物。结论应用SYBRGreenⅠ实时荧光定量RT-PCR技术检测FOXP3mRNA表达水平简便、经济、可行,哮喘患儿CD4^＋CD25^＋Treg明显降低可能参与哮喘发病,FOXP3表达降低可能是导致CD4^＋CD25^＋Treg发育障碍的重要因素。