title: Activated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets in Wegener's granulomatosis.
abstract: Several lines of evidence argue in favour of an involvement of T cells in the pathogenesis of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). These include the presence of highly specific IgG autoantibodies to proteinase 3, perivascular T-cell infiltrates and elevated amounts of soluble interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptors in patient's serum. In order to further address this question we evaluated by double immunofluorescence and flow cytometry the expression of several cell surface molecules associated with T-cell activation. As compared to healthy controls (n = 15), the CD4+ subset was significantly diminished, while the percentage of CD8+ T cells was elevated in WG patients (n = 24). Within the CD4+ T-cell subset we found a highly significant increase in activation/memory markers (CD25, CD29, HLA-DR). Within the CD8+ T-cell subset the expression of CD11b, CD29 and CD57 was significantly elevated, while the expression of VD28 was reduced. The use of 10 V beta-, 1 V alpha- and 1 V gamma-specific monoclonal reagents failed to reveal any significant bias in the peripheral T-cell receptor V-gene repertoire of WG patients. There was also no correlation between T-cell activation markers and laboratory parameters [C-reactive protein (CRP), ESR], disease duration or therapy. A significant correlation was found only for the degree of organ involvement and the increase in CD4+ T cells coexpressing HLA-DR, as well as the increase in CD57 expression on CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets were activated in WG. Cytotoxic CD8+CD57+CD11b+CD28- T cells may directly contribute to damage of vascular endothelium.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Rheumatologie und klinische Immunologie, Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schlesier
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kaspar
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gutfleisch
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wolff-Vorbeck
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Peter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D014890:Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged