S antigen specific effector T cell activation detected by cytokine flow cytometry.
OBJECTIVE
Effector T cell activation is particularly important in the initiation of autoimmune uveitis. This pilot study seeks to demonstrate activation of human peripheral effector T cells in response to the uveitis candidate autoantigen, retinal S antigen (SAg), using cytokine flow cytometry (CFC).


METHODS
Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) suspensions from uveitis patients and controls were stimulated with bovine SAg. Activation responses were detected by CFC.


RESULTS
Electronic gating enabled analysis of CD69+, IFN-gamma+ CD4+ lymphocytes. An SAg specific response was detectable in four of 13 patients and four of eight controls.


CONCLUSIONS
SAg specific, peripheral, effector T cell activation can be detected by CFC. Similar levels of responsiveness were seen in patient and control groups. More detailed cytokine profiling may demonstrate functional differences between the groups.
Morgan
J P
JP
The Larry Donoso Research Laboratory, Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Centre, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK. James.Morgan@nottingham.ac.uk
Robins
R A
RA
Dua
H S
HS
Tighe
P J
PJ
D019393:Arrestin / Q000276:immunology*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D018106:CD28 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014605:Uveitis / Q000276:immunology*
D019393:Arrestin; D018106:CD28 Antigens; D007371:Interferon-gamma