Osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes stimulate autologous T cell responses in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the presence of specific T cell immune response to autologous chondrocytes in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).


METHODS
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from OA or post-traumatic patients were co-cultured with irradiated autologous chondrocytes, and their proliferative response was assessed using 3H-thymidine incorporation. Expression of HLA-class II molecules was also assessed on chondrocytes by immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry.


RESULTS
T cell responses to autologous chondrocytes in OA yielded a significantly greater mean stimulation index (6.35 +/- 1.63) compared to controls (1.21 +/- 0.09, p < 0.01). This response was partially blocked by antibodies against HLA class I, class II, CD4 or CD8. Increased expression of HLA-DP, -DQ, and -DR was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed the autologous T cell-stimulating property of OA chondrocytes in vitro. The elucidation of the autoimmune responses may contribute to the understanding of immune-mediated mechanisms in OA.
Sakata
M
M
Department of Bioregulation, Institute of Medical Science, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan.
Masuko-Hongo
K
K
Nakamura
H
H
Onuma
H
H
Tsuruha
J I
JI
Aoki
H
H
Nishioka
K
K
Kato
T
T
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000166:cytology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D046508:Culture Techniques; D005260:Female; D006681:HLA-D Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011336:Probability; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006681:HLA-D Antigens