T-helper cell activation in bullous pemphigoid.
In 10 untreated patients suffering from acute bullous pemphigoid the number of peripheral blood T cells (CD 3), T suppressor (CD 8) and T helper cells (CD 4) as well as activation antigens (DR and Tac) bearing lymphocytes was evaluated by monoclonal antibodies. While the pan-T cell population (CD 3) and T suppressor subpopulation (CD 8) were normal, the T helper subpopulation (CD 4) and the number of DR and Tac positive lymphocytes were significantly increased in the acute stage of bullous pemphigoid when compared to the age- and sex-matched controls. Phenotypically those DR positive cells belonged to the pan-T cell population (CD 3) at 66% and to the T helper subpopulation (CD 4) at 53% respectively. Under treatment with immunosuppressants the cell counts returned to normal suggesting a T helper cell activation to be involved in the acute stage of bullous pemphigoid.
D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D010391:Pemphigoid, Bullous / Q000276:immunology*; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D012872:Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D018127:Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7
D000954:Antigens, Surface; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D018127:Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7