Normal suppressive T cell function of Epstein-Barr virus induced B cell activation in type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus.
Several studies have demonstrated abnormalities of T cell regulation of Epstein-Barr virus-induced B cell activation in systemic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, and systemic sclerosis. However, a normal suppressive peripheral T cell function was observed in Graves' disease. To investigate whether this abnormality is a common feature to other autoimmune diseases, we studied T cell regulation of Epstein-Barr virus induced B cell activation in 15 newly diagnosed type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus patients and 10 normal control subjects. Peripheral B lymphocytes infected with Epstein-Barr virus were cultured for 20 days in the presence or absence of autologous T cells at different ratios (1:1 and 1:4). IgM and IgG secretions into the supernatants were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The extent of suppression when T cells were added, as measured by a suppression ratio, was not significantly different in type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus patients and normal subjects. We conclude that in type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus, the autoimmune reactivity is not dependent upon a generalized suppression defect. It can be hypothesized, therefore, that in type 1 diabetes mellitus as well as in Graves' disease, a local or organ specific suppressor deficit may induce the autoimmune phenomena.
Kahan
A
A
INSERM U-283, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France.
LeFloch
J P
JP
Charreire
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000378:metabolism; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000378:metabolism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M