[Heterogeneity of CD4+(helper)-T-cells: role in the pathophysiology of the skin].
CD4+ cells play a central role in the immune system. Recent data show the existence of two distinct subsets of CD4+ cells in the peripheral blood of adults, which differ dramatically both in their functional capacities and in their surface phenotype. These two CD4+ subpopulations do not represent different lineages, but reflect sequential stages of maturation. As antigen contact causes transition to the subsequent subpopulation, these cells have been designated "naive" and "memory" T cells. It is remarkable that the quantitative relationship between the two subpopulations is very different within the skin from in peripheral blood: in inflammatory and in neoplastic CD4+ cutaneous infiltrates there is a predominance of memory T cells. Our own results show, furthermore, that this predominance of memory T cells is due to their selective emigration from the blood, most probably because of their high expression of several adhesion molecules.
Sterry
W
W
Universitäts-Hautklinik Kiel.
D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000502:physiology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*
Heterogenität der CD4+(Helfer)-T-Zellen: Rolle in der Pathophysiologie der Haut.