Fluctuations in T helper subpopulations in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Patients with active multiple sclerosis (MS) have been reported to have a depletion of CD4+ CD45R+ cells, the immature resting CD4+ subpopulation. Using Leu 3a(anti-CD4) and Leu 18(anti-CD45R), the frequencies and absolute numbers of CD4+ CD45R+ and CD4+ CD45R- subsets were measured in 30 patients with MS and 17 healthy controls. These subsets were monitored every 6 weeks over a 6 month period. CD4+ CD45R- cells were found to be increased in relapse compared to remission (p less than 0.005) while CD4+ CD45R+ levels were not significantly altered in relapse. However, the CD4+ subset ratio (CD4+ CD45R-/CD4+ CD45R+) was significantly higher in relapse compared with remission (p less than 0.002). Furthermore, these findings were upheld when data from the same 6 patients in relapse and remission was compared. Increased disease activity was not associated with changes in any of the other parameters measured (total T cells, total CD4+ cells, suppressor cells or activated T cells). These results suggest that relapse in MS is accompanied by the conversion of CD4+ CD45R+ resting cells to CD4+ CD45R- primed cells.
Corrigan
E
E
Department of Immunology, St. James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Hutchinson
M
M
Feighery
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012008:Recurrence; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000378:metabolism*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015704:CD4 Antigens