Elevated Apoptosis and Impaired Proliferation Contribute to Downregulated Peripheral γδ T Cells in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. (25th August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Zhimin; Su, Dinglei; Wang, Dandan; Li, Xia; Feng, Xuebing; Sun, Lingyun
• Other Names: Shi Guixiu Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Clinical & developmental immunology. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-08-25
• Subjects: Developmental immunology -- Periodicals; Clinical immunology -- Periodicals; Immune System -- immunology -- Periodicals; Immune System -- growth & development -- Periodicals; Immune System Diseases -- immunology -- Periodicals; 571.9638
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/405395
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-2522

Abstract

Abstract : Objective . To investigate the frequency of peripheral γ δ T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its correlation with disease activity and to analyze the apoptotic status, proliferation ability, and intracellular cytokine profile of these cells. Methods . Flow cytometry was performed to detect the percentage and intracellular cytokine expression of peripheral γ δ T cells from SLE patients. Annexin-V/PI double staining was applied to determine the proportion of apoptotic γ δ and CD3 + T cells. γ δ T cell proliferation was analyzed by CFSE labeling technique. Results . The percentage and absolute number of γ δ T cells were remarkably decreased in active SLE patients compared to those in inactive patients and healthy controls, with γ δ T cell count negatively correlated with disease activity. Compared with healthy controls, peripheral γ δ T cells from active SLE patients exhibited higher apoptotic rate and lower proliferation ability, as well as elevated expression of intracellular IFN- γ, IL-4, IL-10, and TGF- β, but not IL-17 or Foxp3. Conclusion . Decreased γ δ T cells in the peripheral blood of SLE patients might be caused by upregulated apoptosis and downregulated cell proliferation. These γ δ T cells may secret both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines to perform their functions in SLE.