Immunophenotypical changes of T lymphocytes in the elderly

BACKGROUND: Substantial changes in both representation and function of T lymphocyte subsets have been reported with advancing age. However, till now, no systematic studies focused on age-dependent changes in the expression intensity of the major T lymphocyte surface receptors. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken in order to establish age-related differences in lymphocyte subpopulations by simultaneously measuring three surface antigens in young and elderly people. METHOD: Peripheral blood T cell subsets from 20 healthy elderly individuals and 15 healthy young adult donors were examined by means of a quantitative three-color flow cytometry method. RESULTS: Activated (HLA-DR+) and memory (CD45RO+) T cells, CD3+CD7- T lymphocytes, and cells expressing natural killer (NK) markers (CD3-CD56+ NK cells and CD3+CD56+ T lymphocytes) were expanded, whereas T lymphocytes expressing the adhesion molecule CD62L were lower in elderly compared with young donors. In addition to alterations in the percentages of T cell subsets during senescence, several changes in the intensity expression of T cell antigens were also detected. CD3 antigen expression was downregulated on total T lymphocytes as well as on the memory T cell subset, while CD56+ T cells exhibited increased CD3 levels. Moreover, CD2 expression, unchanged on NK cells, was upregulated on T lymphocytes from elderly subjects. CD3+CD7- T cells exhibited increased expression of CD8 antigen, while the intensity expression of HLA-DR on activated T cells and CD7 on both T and NK lymphocytes was decreased. T cells from elderly subjects also exhibited higher expression of CD50 and CD62L adhesion molecules as compared with young ones. CONCLUSION: These T cell antigen expression modulations during senescence, in addition to the alteration in the frequency of the various T lymphocyte subsets, could contribute to the complex remodeling of the immune function characteristic of the elderly.     

A low blood lymphocyte count is associated with an expansion of activated cytotoxic lymphocytes in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Abstract: In order to determine the relationships between CD2+ lymphocyte subpopulations and tumour mass, the immunophenotype of natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocyte subsets was studied in 56 B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) patients and 38 healthy subjects. The patients were classified according to their blood lymphocyte count (BLC). Forty patients had BLC<30×10⁹/l (low BLC, less tumour mass) and 16 patients had BLC>30×10⁹/l (high BLC, larger tumour mass). The percentage of CD3^– CD56+ cells, as well as of CD8+, CD8+CD45RO+ and CD3+CD57+ T subsets in low BLC patients, were higher than those found in high BLC patients. Conversely, the percentages of CD3+HLA DR+, CD4+ and CD4+CD45RO+ lymphocytes were higher in high BLC patients than in low BLC patients. The CD4/CD8 ratio was decreased in low BLC patients while it was increased in high BLC patients and a significant positive correlation was found between their CD4/CD8 ratio and their BLC. We conclude that in low BLC B-CLL patients there is a decreased percentage of activated helper lymphocytes and an increased percentage of NK cells and activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These results suggest a role for NK cells, and helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the control of tumour burden in B-CLL patients.     

Reduction of CD45RA isoform expression and decrease in CD4 and CD8 receptor density in lymphocytes of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: The immunological background of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) remains largely obscure. METHODS: Using double colour flow cytometry, we estimated the distribution of functionally different lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood of 25 PBC patients and 18 controls. We examined: 1) the expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 and CD56 surface receptors, 2) the distribution of lymphocyte subsets bearing 'naive' (CD45RA+) and 'memory' (CD45RO+) phenotypes in both CD4+ and CD8+ cell populations, 3) the expression of an early activation marker (CD69), 4) the distribution of C1.7 mAb binding cytotoxic effectors in CD3+, CD8+ and CD56+ cells. The surface marker expression was evaluated in terms of percentage of positive cells and receptor density. RESULTS: We found: 1) a decrease in the percentage of total CD3+ and CD4+ cells, an unchanged proportion of CD8+ cells but elevated proportion of CD19+ cells and NK lymphocytes; 2) a reduction in the percentage of 'naive' CD4+ but normal proportion of 'naive' CD8+ as well as CD4+ and CD8+ 'memory' cell subsets; 3) a decrease in the density of CD4 and CD8 receptors in the subsets of 'naive' and 'memory' T cells, 4) an increase in the percentage of CD69 receptor bearing T cells but unchanged proportion of C1.7 mAb. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the reduction in number of 'suppressor-inducer-like 'naive' CD4+ T-cell subsets in association with the decrease in fluorescence intensity for CD4 and CD8 may significantly contribute to the mechanisms that could account for a development of PBC.     

中国乙型肝炎患者外周血淋巴细胞亚群频率参考值范围

目的 调查中国乙型肝炎患者外周血淋巴细胞亚群频率参考值范围.方法 利用流式细胞术检测2846例乙型肝炎患者和117例健康人群外周血淋巴细胞亚群数值,调查我国健康人群和乙型肝炎人群的参考值范围.结果 调查了16～60岁健康人群和HBV感染相关的急性肝炎、慢性肝炎、重型肝炎和肝硬化人群外周血CD3+T淋巴细胞、CD3+CD...     

Effect of long-term infection with nef-defective attenuated HIV type 1 on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes: increased CD45RO+CD4+ T lymphocytes and limited activation of CD8+ T lymphocytes

Members of the Sydney Blood Bank Cohort (SBBC) have been infected with an attenuated strain of HIV-1 with a natural nef/LTR mutation and have maintained relatively stable CD4+ T lymphocyte counts for 14-18 years. Flow cytometric analysis was used to examine the phenotype of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in these subjects, including the immunologically important naive (CD45RA+CD62L+), primed (CD45RO+), and activated (CD38+HLA-DR+ and CD28-) subsets. The median values were compared between the SBBC and control groups, comprising age-, sex-, and transfusion-matched HIV-1-uninfected subjects; transfusion-acquired HIV-1-positive LTNPs; and sexually acquired HIV-1-positive LTNPs. Members of the SBBC not only had normal levels of naive CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, but had primed CD45RO+ CD4+ T lymphocytes at or above normal levels. Furthermore, these primed cells expressed markers suggesting recent exposure to specific antigen. SBBC members exhibited variable activation of CD8+ T lymphocytes. In particular, SBBC members with undetectable plasma HIV-1 RNA had normal levels of activated CD8+ T lymphocytes. Therefore, the result of long-term infection with natural nef/LTR mutant HIV-1 in these subjects suggests a decreased cytopathic effect of attenuated HIV-1 on susceptible activated CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets in vivo, and minimal activation of CD8+ T lymphocytes.     

原发性肝癌和乙型肝炎肝硬化患者外周血淋巴细胞凋亡率、T细胞亚群和NK细胞的水平变化和临床意义

目的通过检测乙型肝炎肝硬化和合并乙型肝炎病毒感染的原发性肝细胞癌患者的外周血的粒细胞、单核细胞、NK细胞、T细胞及其亚群和淋巴细胞及其凋亡率,探讨两者在细胞免疫方面的差异.方法用Ficoll Hypaque离心法分离外周血单个核细胞(PBMNC),流式细胞仪检测外周血T细胞及其亚群、NK细胞和淋巴细胞、单核细胞和粒细胞,AnnexinV/FITCKit检测凋亡细胞.结果乙型肝炎肝硬化患者的外周血单核细胞、粒细胞、淋巴细胞、CD3-CD16 CD56 NK细胞、CD3 T细胞、CD3 CD4 T细胞、CD3 CD4 T细胞和CD4 CD8 T细胞比值,均与正常对照组无显著性差异(P＞0.05);但淋巴细胞凋亡率明显低于对照组(P＜0.01).原发性肝癌外周血CD3-CD16 CD56 NK细胞、单核细胞和CD4 /CD8 T细胞比值与肝硬化组和正常对照组比较,均无显著性差异(P＞0.05),而粒细胞明显升高(P＜0.05);CD3 T细胞、CD3 CD4 T细胞和CD3 CD8 T细胞均较另两组明显减少(P＜0.05),淋巴细胞及其凋亡率均明显低于另两组(P＜0.01).结论乙型肝炎肝硬化患者的外周血细胞免疫只发生不显著的变化,但淋巴细胞的凋亡率明显降低.原发性肝癌外周血的细胞免疫和淋巴细胞凋亡率均明显低下.     

Lymphocyte subset reconstitution after HLA-identical placental blood transplantation (PBT) or PBT plus bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in three children with beta-thalassemia major

The kinetics of circulating lymphoid cells were evaluated in three children suffering from beta-thalassemia major after HLA-identical sibling placental blood transplant (PBT) in one patient and placental blood plus bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in two patients. Recovery of the main lymphocyte subsets, as determined by phenotype analysis of circulating PBMCs, was complete within 2 months after transplant. NK (CD56+) cells were the first to appear in peripheral blood, followed by T (CD3+, CD2+, CD7+) and B (CD19+) cells. Of the T lymphocytes, the CD8+ were the first to reconstitute, but recovery of CD4+ cells was also rapid and within 6 months these T cells reached normal values. The expression of CD57 by NK or T cells was slightly delayed. The evaluation of RA and RO isoform expression of the CD45 molecule showed a prevalence of the CD45RA antigen with a ratio of 2-3:1. In the PBT only patient, T cells expressing the CD45RO antigen prevailed in the early post-transplant period. Severe or chronic GVHD was not observed. This experience demonstrates that reconstitution of lymphocyte subsets is successful in genetic hematological diseases after transplantation of HLA-identical placental blood or placental blood plus bone marrow from healthy or heterozygous siblings. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 26, 743-747.     

Coexistent naïve phenotype and higher cycling rate of cord blood T cells as compared to adult peripheral blood

OBJECTIVE: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) T cells are predominantly CD45RA(+), secrete less cytokines, and have diminished cytotoxicity compared to adult peripheral blood (PB). We hypothesized that the functional impairment of bulk UCB cells results from the relative dominance of immature lymphocyte subsets. In this study we established the physiologic ranges of lymphocyte subsets in UCB, and contrasted those with adult PB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four-color FACS was utilized to characterize surface and intracellular protein expression on lymphocyte subsets from fresh unmanipulated UCB and adult PB. RESULTS: We found that UCB contain significantly higher absolute numbers of T cells, NK cells, and B cells than adult PB (p<0.0001). UCB also contains more "na?ve" cells not only among CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells but also among B lymphocytes (p=0.003). Most UCB T cells are CD45RA(+)/CD62L(+) "recent thymic emigrants" with smaller TCRgammadelta (p<0.0001) and CD25(+) subsets (p=0.0068). Fewer UCB T cells display HLA-DR and CCR-5 activation markers (p<0.0001) while the CD8(+)/CD57(+)/CD28(-) "suppressor," CD8(+)/CD45RA(+)/CD27(-) "cytotoxic," and skin homing CLA(+) T-cell subsets are absent altogether. Compared with adult PB, more cord blood T cells progress through cell cycle (p<0.0001) and enter apoptosis (p=0.0003). Unlike in adult PB, the majority of proliferating Ki-67(+) T cells in UCB retain a CD45RA(+)/RO(-), CD69(-), CD25(-), HLA-DR(-) "resting" phenotype (p=0.0002). CONCLUSION: Most T and B lymphocytes express a nai;ve phenotype in cord blood while "suppressor" and "cytotoxic" T-cell subsets are absent. Cycling UCB T cells retain a nai;ve immunophenotype that may represent homeostatic expansion rather than antigen-driven proliferation.     

Reduction of CD45RA Isoform Expression and Decrease in CD4 and CD8 Receptor Density in Lymphocytes of Patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Background: The immunological background of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) remains largely obscure. Methods: Using double colour flow cytometry, we estimated the distribution of functionally different lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood of 25 PBC patients and 18 controls. We examined: 1) the expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD 19 and CD56 surface receptors, 2) the distribution of lymphocyte subsets bearing ‘naive’ (CD45RA+) and ‘memory’ (CD45RO+) phenotypes in both CD4+ and CD8+ cell populations, 3) the expression of an early activation marker (CD69), 4) the distribution of C1.7 mAb binding cytotoxic effectors in CD3+, CD8+ and CD56+ cells. The surface marker expression was evaluated in terms of percentage of positive cells and receptor density. Results: We found: 1) a decrease in the percentage of total CD3+ and CD4+ cells, an unchanged proportion of CD8+ cells but elevated proportion of CD 19+ cells and NK lymphocytes; 2) a reduction in the percentage of ‘naive’ CD4+ but normal proportion of ‘naive’ CD8+ as well as CD4+ and CD8+ ‘memory’ cell subsets; 3) a decrease in the density of CD4 and CD8 receptors in the subsets of ‘naive’ and ‘memory’ T cells, 4) an increase in the percentage of CD69 receptor bearing T cells but unchanged proportion of C1.7 mAb. Conclusions: It is concluded that the reduction in number of 'suppressor-inducer-like ‘naive’ CD4+ T-cell subsets in association with the decrease in fluorescence intensity for CD4 and CD8 may significantly contribute to the mechanisms that could account for a development of PBC.     

副流感病毒3型感染肺炎患儿细胞免疫功能分析

目的分析副流感病毒3型感染肺炎患儿外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、B淋巴细胞及NK细胞的变化。方法对入院儿童行痰病原学检测7种常见病毒抗原,明确病原学诊断,并用流式细胞仪检测副流感病毒3型感染患儿外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、B淋巴细胞及NK细胞值。结果副流感病毒3型肺炎患外外周血CD16＋CD56＋T细胞百分率较对照组减少,CD3＋T细胞百分率、CD4＋T细胞百分率、CD8＋T细胞百分率、CD19＋CD21＋B细胞百分率和对照组相仿,CD4＋／CD8＋比值较对照组升高。结论副流感病毒3型感染肺炎患儿细胞免疫功能紊乱。     

Effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilization on phenotypical and functional properties of immune cells

Some phenotypic and functional properties of lymphocytes from bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell donors were compared in a randomized study.Lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by immunocytometry in blood harvested from bone marrow donors (n = 27) and from peripheral blood stem cell donors before and after granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilization (n = 23) and in bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell grafts.Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilization increased the blood T and B, but not NK, lymphocyte counts. All lymphocyte counts were approximately 10-fold higher in peripheral blood stem cell grafts than in bone marrow grafts. Analysis of CD25, CD95, HLA-DR, and CD45RA expression shows that T-cell activation level was lower after granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilization. Similarly, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor reduced by twofold to threefold the percentage of interferon-gamma, interleukin-2, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-secreting cells within the NK, NK-T, and T-cell subsets and severely impaired the potential for interferon-gamma production at the single-cell level. mRNA levels of both type 1 (interferon-gamma, interleukin-2) and type 2 (interleukin-4, interleukin-13) cytokines were approximately 10-fold lower in peripheral blood stem cell grafts than in bone marrow grafts. This reduced potential of cytokine production was not associated with a preferential mobilization of so-called "suppressive" cells (CD3+CD4-CD8-, CD3+CD8+CD56+, or CD3+TCRVA24+CD161+), nor with a modulation of killer cell receptors CD161, NKB1, and CD94 expression by NK, NK-T, or T cells.Our data demonstrate in a randomized setting that quantitative as well as qualitative differences exist between a bone marrow and a peripheral blood stem cell graft, whose ability to produce type 1 and type 2 cytokines is impaired.     

Lymphocyte subset abnormalities,autoantibodies and their relationship with HLA DR types in children with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes and their first degree relatives

Summary Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus is associated with abnormalities of circulating lymphocyte subsets and autoantibodies. To investigate the prevalence of these in non-diabetic siblings and non-diabetic parents of children with Type 1 diabetes, we analysed T-cell subsets of function and activation in 31 families with an index case of Type 1 diabetes and related these to autoantibodies and HLA DR type. Using two and three colour cytofluorimetry, we studied total and activated (HLA-DR+) CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes and on CD4+ lymphocytes the CD45RA/RO “naive” and “memory” cell phenotypes. Diabetic children (mean duration of disease 3.1 years) had a reduced total lymphocyte count (p <0.05), their non-diabetic siblings a reduced CD4+ T-helper cell count (p <0.05), and their parents a reduced percentage and number of CD3+ T cells (p <0.01 and p <0.05) compared with age-matched control subjects. Diabetic children, their siblings and parents all had significantly increased levels of activated CD4+ T-helper cells (p <0.01, p <0.05 and p <0.01). In diabetic children and their siblings there was a significant over-expression of the CD45RO “memory” cell marker and significant under-expression of the CD45RA “naive” cell marker, whilst these were normal in the parents. Islet cell antibody positive diabetic children had significantly higher levels of CD45RO-expressing CD4+ lymphocytes than those who were islet cell antibody negative (p <0.05). Amongst the siblings and parents, possession of HLA-DR4 was associated with lower percentages of CD4+ and higher percentages of CD8+ T cells. These findings extend current knowledge about the role of immunoregulatory CD45RA/ RO cells in Type 1 diabetes. In addition, they demonstrate lymphocyte subset abnormalities in unaffected family members, some of which may be influenced by HLA DR alleles. [Diabetologia (1994) 37: 155–165] Received: 1 March 1993 and in final revised form: 16 August 1993     

Beta-endorphin modulation of lymphocyte proliferation: effects of ethanol

BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that alcohol suppresses the natural killer (NK) cell activity of splenic lymphocytes partly by reducing the secretion of opioid peptide beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and its positive influence on NK-cell cytolytic activity in rats. The inhibition of NK-cell cytolytic activity was also associated with a reduced number of NK cells after chronic ethanol administration. Hence, the possibility arises that chronic ethanol may alter NK cell proliferation, survival, or both. In this study, we investigated whether ethanol treatment for 1 to 4 weeks reduces the proliferation of other lymphocyte subsets and whether beta-EP regulates ethanol's effect on lymphocyte proliferation. METHODS: Male rats were ad libitum-fed rat chow, pair-fed with isocaloric liquid diet, or fed with ethanol-containing liquid diet for 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks. Groups of these rats were infused with beta-EP with or without the delta-receptor antagonist naltrindol into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Splenocytes were isolated and used for flow cytometric analysis of the changes in the number of various lymphocyte subsets. Lymphocyte proliferation was determined by mitogen stimulation assays. RESULTS: Ethanol consumption resulted in a reduction of the number of CD161+ NK cells, CD3+ T lymphocytes, CD4+ T-helper cells, and CD8a+ cytotoxic T cells in a time-dependent fashion. Alcohol consumption also suppressed the proliferative response of lymphocyte subsets to concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, and lipopolysaccharide. Beta-EP promoted the lymphocytes' proliferative response to mitogens, whereas naltrindol blocked the effects of the opioid. Chronic alcohol consumption reduced the proliferative response of lymphocytes to beta-EP. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that chronic alcohol administration reduces immune function partly by decreasing the opioid-regulated mitogen-stimulated proliferation of lymphocyte subsets.     

Phenotypic and functional activation of alveolar macrophages,T lymphocytes and NK cells in patients with systemic sclerosis and primary Sj?gren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES--Attempts to differentiate between the pathogenesis of the severe pulmonary manifestations observed in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the mild form in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) were performed by studying cell populations recovered during bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). METHODS AND RESULTS--Two-colour flow cytometric analysis of BAL fluid lymphocytes showed a similar degree of phenotypic activation (DR+) of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets and CD16+ NK cells in patients with SSc (n = 13) and pSS (n = 11) groups and healthy controls (n = 11). Alveolar macrophages expressed the CD14 antigen at significantly increased densities in patients with SSc. Alveolar macrophage activation in SSc was also suggested by increased IL-6 concentrations in neat BAL fluid and increases in macrophage production of TNF alpha and EGF in vitro. SSc patients also had increased proportions of neutrophils and eosinophils in BAL fluid. No correlations were found between any cellular subsets or cytokine levels in BAL fluid and lung status at the time of lavage in SSc or pSS patients or the subsequent course of the pulmonary function in SSc patients. CONCLUSION--It is concluded that the phenotypical activation of alveolar helper/inducer (DR+CD4+) and suppressor/cytotoxic (DR+CD8+) T lymphocytes and NK (DR+CD16+) cells is not a prerequisite for the development of lung fibrosis in SSc or bronchial hyper-responsiveness in pSS. Alveolar macrophage activation may contribute to the development of lung fibrosis in SSc.     

Changes in the expression of surface receptors on lymphocyte subsets in the elderly: quantitative flow cytometric analysis

The immunophenotype of circulating lymphocytes, including the intensity expression of surface receptors, changes with ageing. Until now, no results of systematic studies on age-dependent changes with respect to the expression of the major lymphocyte surface receptors in healthy elderly subjects have been reported. In order to identify age-related changes in both representation and immunophenotype of lymphocyte populations, we investigated, by means of triple-color whole-blood immunostaining and quantitative flow cytometry, the percent values and the absolute numbers, as well as the levels of surface antigen expression or antigen molecules per cell (ABC values x 10(3)), of different peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets from 23 healthy elderly subjects and 13 young donors. Naive (CD45RA+CD3+) T cells, total B cells, and CD5+ B lymphocytes are decreased (22%, 6%, 0.8% vs. 30%, 12%, 1.4%, respectively), whereas activated (HLA-DR+CD3+) and memory (CD45RO+CD3+) T cells, CD3+CD7- T lymphocytes, and lymphocytes expressing the NK marker CD56 are expanded in the elderly (2%, 53%, 13%, 6% vs. 0.8%, 45%, 8%, 8%, respectively). Moreover, T lymphocytes from elderly individuals express lower CD3 (61 +/- 10) compared to young (69 +/- 10). Considering the different T-cell populations, CD3 antigen is respectively decreased on CD45RO+ T cells (55 +/- 14 vs. 66 +/- 14) and up-regulated on CD56+ T lymphocytes (62 +/- 21 vs. 45 +/- 20). Increased CD8 expression characterizes CD3+CD7- lymphocytes (70 +/- 34 vs. 44 +/- 17) while HLA-DR on activated T cells is lower in old (39 +/- 7) than young (46 +/- 9) donors. CD7 is down-regulated both in T (22 +/- 3 vs. 28 +/- 3) and NK (48 +/- 18 vs. 71 +/- 18) cells, whereas CD2 expression, unchanged on NK cells, is up-regulated on T lymphocytes (54 +/- 10 vs. 41 +/- 8). Age-related changes in B-cell antigen expressions were also found: CD20 is increased (124 +/- 23 vs. 105 +/- 16) whereas, despite the unchanged CD5 expression of T cells, CD5 intensity on the B-cell subset co-expressing this antigen is higher in old (49 +/- 37) than in young (22 +/- 4) people. The observed changes in the expression of functionally important cellular receptors can contribute to the remodeling of immune function characteristic of the elderly. Moreover, since quantitative flow cytometry is becoming widely employed in clinical practice, our results also contribute to the assessment of specific age-dependent antigen expression changes to be considered for diagnostic approaches in the elderly.     

过敏性紫癜急性期患儿淋巴细胞凋亡特征的研究

为探讨过敏性紫癜(HSP)患儿急性期外周血淋巴细胞凋亡特征及其与T淋巴细胞免疫应答活性的相关性，选择HSP患儿及健康儿童各33例(HSP组及对照组)，分别应用形态法、间接免疫荧光法检测外周血淋巴细胞凋亡率、T淋巴细胞亚群及CD^ 23细胞百分率。结果HSP组急性期外周血淋巴细胞培养前及培养、48小时凋亡率均显著高于对照组(P均＜O．01)，外周血CD^ 4细胞百分率及CD^ 4／CD^ 4均明显低于对照组(P＜O.01，P＜0．05)；培养48小时CD^ 25细胞百分率显著低于对照组(P＜O．01)；培养48小时淋巴细胞凋亡率与CD^ 25细胞百分率呈负相关(P＜0．05)。认为HSP患儿外周血淋巴细胞凋亡过度，此与其T淋巴细胞免疫应答活性低下关系密切。     

A comparison of the expression of lymphocyte activation markers in blood, bronchial biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage: evidence for an enrichment of activated T lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar space.

In this study healthy never-smoking subjects (n = 18) were recruited from a population study. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), blood lymphocytes and bronchial biopsies, analysed both in the epithelium and lamina propria, were stained for T and B lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells and different subpopulations of T lymphocytes. In BAL, significantly higher proportions of T lymphocytes (CD3), T lymphocyte activation markers; HLA-DR, CD26+, CD49a+, CD54+ and CD69+, helper T (CD3+4+) and memory helper T lymphocytes (CD4+45RO+29+) and memory T lymphocytes (CD3+45RO+) were found, compared to blood. However, the proportion of IL-2 receptor-positive T lymphocytes (CD25+) was lower in BAL than in blood. A previously described higher ratio of CD3+4+/CD3+8+ in BAL than in blood (3.4 vs 1.7; P = 0.001) was confirmed. In bronchial biopsies, we found significantly higher numbers of CD8+ cell profiles per mm2 in the epithelial compared to the lamina propria compartment. We conclude that healthy never-smoking men have higher levels of activated memory T lymphocytes in BAL than in blood, and that the T-cell subpopulations differ in the epithelial compared to the lamina propria compartment in the bronchial mucosa and these compartments should be analysed separately. It is reasonable to think that there is a gradient from blood to the airway lumen where T cells are recruited from blood to take part in the defense towards damaging agents.     

Lymphocyte T subsets and natural killer cells in Italian and Philippino blood donors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The characterization of lymphocyte subsets in blood donors has been utilized to determine the normal ranges that can be related to race. A study was performed in blood donors from two racial groups - Caucasian (Italians) and Asian (Philippinos) - to define respective T-lymphocyte subsets and levels of cytokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two blood donors (46 Italians and 46 Philippinos) were enrolled. Blood count and immunophenotyping of lymphocytes by flow cytometry were carried out, and cytokine production was tested in six blood donors of each group. RESULTS: Philippino blood donors showed a significantly higher mean value of leucocytes (P = 0.01) and lymphocytes (P < 0.001) than Italians. The mean absolute count of lymphocyte subsets CD3- CD16+ CD56+ and CD3+ CD8+ were both significantly higher in Philippino than in Italian subjects, respectively, P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001. Philippinos showed a statistically significant higher frequency of lymphocytes producing interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) compared to Italians (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: T-lymphocyte subsets in Italian and Philippino blood donors seem to be correlated to ethnic background. The higher levels of CD3+ CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and IFN-gamma-producing cells found in Philippinos suggest leucoreduction in Asian blood donors.     

Changes in immune cell frequencies after cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil treatments in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

This study was designed to explore the profile of immune cell subsets, including T, B, natural killer (NK), and NKT cells, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and to determine their relationships with the clinical index and the effects of cyclophosphamide (CYC) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) treatment. SLE patients (n?=?28) and age/sex-matched healthy controls (n?=?28) were evaluated. The patients were equally divided into two treatment groups: intravenous drip (IVD) with CYC and prednisolone, and oral MMF and IVD with prednisolone. SLE peripheral blood samples were taken immediately prior to treatment and after 4?weeks of drug treatment. T, B, NK, and NKT cell subsets were measured by flow cytometry. Double-stranded DNA antibody and Sm antibody were detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Serum C3, C4, and C-reactive protein were determined by scatter turbidimetry. The percentages of CD3+CD4+ T, CD3-CD16CD56+ NK, and CD3+CD16CD56+ NKT cells and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio were significantly lower in SLE patients, while CD3+CD8+ T and CD3-CD19+ B cells were higher than the controls. The lymphocyte subsets were significantly correlated with the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and complement factors (C3, C4). Four weeks of CYC or MMF treatment led to a significant increase in CD3+CD4+ T cells (P?相似文献   

Altered expression of alpha 4 beta 7, a gut homing integrin, by circulating and mucosal T cells in colonic mucosal inflammation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Expression of alpha 4 beta 7 on memory T lymphocytes identifies a cell population that preferentially migrates to the gut. Detection of alpha 4 beta 7 on circulating lymphocytes may permit the identification of specific subsets trafficking between the circulation and the gut in inflammatory bowel diseases. PATIENTS: Samples and clinical details were taken from patients with Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), diverticulitis/ infectious colitis, and healthy controls. METHODS: Peripheral blood and lamina propria mononuclear cells were isolated. Cells were labelled with CD3, CD4, CD25, CD45RO or alpha 4 beta 7. RESULTS: Median levels of circulating total memory T cells (CD4+CD45RO+) were increased in CD (p < 0.01) and UC (p < 0.05). However, the proportion of systemic gut homing T cells (CD4+CD45RO+ alpha 4 beta 7+) was decreased in CD (p < 0.05), UC (p < 0.002), and inflammatory controls (p < 0.05). Levels of activated gut homing T cells (CD4+CD25+ alpha 4 beta 7+) were increased in CD (p < 0.01) and UC (p < 0.05). For both CD4+CD45RO+ and CD4+CD25+ cells, the proportion of lymphocytes coexpressing alpha 4 beta 7 was decreased compared with controls. In small and large intestine lamina propria, expression of alpha 4 beta 7+ on CD3+ cells was extensive, although it was decreased in CD (p < 0.03), UC (p < 0.05), and inflammatory controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Circulating and mucosal gut homing lymphocyte populations are changed in patients with colonic inflammation. This may arise due to a dilution effect from recruited naive T cells, or from integrin down regulation. Changes in general CD4+ lymphocyte populations mask more subtle variations in those cells with gut homing potential.