Increased T cell expression of CD154 (CD40-ligand) in multiple sclerosis.
CD154 (CD40-ligand, gp39), expressed on activated T cells, is crucial in T cell-dependent immune responses and may be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). We studied cerebro-spinal fluid and peripheral blood T cell expression of CD154 in MS by flow cytometry. Patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) had constitutive CD154 expression on CD4 and CD8 T cells in blood. Constitutive CD154 expression was not observed in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) or clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) suggestive of demyelinating disease. After ex vivo activation CD154 was, however, expressed on a higher percentage of T cells from patients with CIS or RRMS than from healthy control subjects. These results suggest involvement of CD154 in the pathogenesis of MS, and the shift from a relapsing-remitting to a secondary progressive disease course may be associated with constitutive, systemic CD154 expression.
Jensen
J
J
Department of Neurology, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup Hospital, Glostrup Copenhagen, Denmark. jak@dadlnet.dk
Krakauer
M
M
Sellebjerg
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D023201:CD40 Ligand / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020528:Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / Q000276:immunology*; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000276:immunology*; D043025:Oligoclonal Bands; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D017252:CD3 Complex; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D043025:Oligoclonal Bands; D023201:CD40 Ligand