[Aberrant expression of HLA-DR antigens of the MHC class II in bronchial epithelial cells in asthmatic patients].
The study of cellular events in the bronchi of asthmatic patients shows significant epithelial destruction. The ciliated cells are more often destroyed than others in the respiratory epithelium. Using highly specific monoclonal antibodies, we detected that the epithelial cells were positive for HLA-DR antigen expression, whereas those from healthy subjects were negative. The aberrant expression could be explained by the presence of T lymphocytes in the asthmatic bronchial mucosa. The activated lymphocytes (CD4+) are known to release gamma interferon, which is a lymphokine that induces or enhances the expression of HLA-DR antigens. These cells, which are known to mediate cytotoxicity in an Ag-specific and Ia-restricted way, could take part in the shedding process of epithelial cells in asthma.
Vachier
I
I
I.N.S.E.R.M. U 58, Montpellier.
Godard
P
P
Michel
F B
FB
Descomps
B
B
Damon
M
M
D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology*; D001980:Bronchi / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000276:immunology*
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
Expression aberrante des antigènes HLA-DR du CMH classe II dans les cellules épithéliales bronchiques de l'asthmatique.