Suppressive T cell function of Epstein-Barr virus induced B cell activation in active Behçet's disease.
B and T cell function were studied in 10 patients with active Behçet's disease (BD) and in 10 normal subjects. Peripheral B lymphocytes infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were cultured for 20 days in the presence or absence of autologous T cells. Immunoglobulin M and G secretions into the supernatants were assessed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The extent of suppression of EBV-induced B cell activation by autologous T cells was significantly decreased in active BD patients as compared to normal subjects at a T:B ratio of 1:1, whereas the suppression ratio was in the normal range at a T:B ratio of 4:1. The IgM and IgG secretions in purified B cell cultures were significantly higher in active BD patients as compared to control subjects. Thus, an increased B cell function associated with a defective EBV-specific T cell suppressive function could explain at least in part the immunological disorders in BD patients.
Hamzaoui
K
K
Immunology Laboratory, Medical School of Tunis, France.
Kahan
A
A
Hamza
M
M
Ayed
K
K
D000328:Adult; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D001528:Behcet Syndrome / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000378:metabolism; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000502:physiology*
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M