Increased T-lymphocyte interleukin-6 binding in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) represents a T-cell-mediated autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system associated with altered immunoregulation. Interleukin (IL)-6 is a cytokine that has several effects on the neuroimmune system. Specific IL-6 receptors have been found in human lymphocytes and neuroglial cells. The aim of the present study was to assay IL-6 binding on peripheral blood T lymphocytes in MS patients. We found that T cells from MS patients had significantly more IL-6 receptors [Bmax: 279 +/- 7 vs. 246 +/- 8 (mean +/- SEM) receptors/cell, in patients and controls, respectively], whereas Kd values were similar to those of healthy subjects [26.8 +/- 0.7 vs. 25.4 +/- 0.6 (mean +/- SEM) pM, in patients and controls, respectively]. Significant (P < 0.05) differences in IL-6 binding values were observed between stable patients and those relapsing (272 +/- 9 vs. 300 +/- 12 (mean +/- SEM) receptors/cell, respectively). We found significantly (P < 0. 001) higher amounts of IL-6 receptors on CD4+ T cells from MS patients than on CD4+ lymphocytes from controls (434 +/- 11 vs. 363 +/- 9 (mean +/- SEM) receptors/cell, respectively); CD8+ T cells showed very few IL-6 receptors in both patients and controls. These data are discussed in terms of MS immune pathogenesis and pathophysiology, because T-cell activation seems to be linked to increased IL-6 binding. The upregulated IL-6 system might be involved in antibody-mediated demyelinating pathways, because IL-6 is well known to enhance humoral immune response.
Bongioanni
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P
Department of Neurosciences, Section of Neurology; and Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy. bongioanni@sssup1.it
Mosti
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Romano
M R
MR
Lombardo
F
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Moscato
G
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Meucci
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G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000097:blood; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism; D012016:Reference Values; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*
D007376:Interleukin-2; D015850:Interleukin-6; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6