Memory and naive CD4+ lymphocytes in multiple sclerosis.
Helper-inducer (CD29+CD4+) and suppressor-inducer (CD45RACD4+) T-cells have been recently renamed as memory and naive T-cells, respectively. We measured cells expressing these phenotypes in peripheral blood of 46 definite multiple sclerosis (MS) patients [32 relapsing-remitting (RR-MS), 14 secondary progressive (P-MS)] and controls. CD25+ (interleukin-2-receptor-positive) cells were also evaluated in the same groups of patients. RR-MS patients showed increased levels of CD29+CD4+ and CD25+ cells compared with controls. This finding was more evident in RR-MS patients during the attack than during the stable phase of the disease. In P-MS patients we found a reduction of CD45+CD4+ cells compared with either RR-MS patients or control subjects. Our results show that RR-MS and P-MS are characterized by two different T-cell subpopulations. This finding supports the hypothesis that during the evolution from RR-MS and P-MS changes occur in the immunological status of the patients.
Porrini
A M
AM
Department of Clinical Neurology, University of Chieti, Italy.
Gambi
D
D
Malatesta
G
G
D000328:Adult; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000097:blood*; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000473:pathology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens