Progressive loss of renal function is associated with activation and depletion of naive T lymphocytes.
We hypothesized that progressive loss of renal function specifically affects certain T cell subsets. T lymphocyte subsets of patients with chronic kidney disease and healthy controls were characterized by flow cytometry using heparin-anticoagulated whole blood samples. Plasma interleukin (IL)-7 and IL-15 concentrations were determined as these cytokines are critically involved in T cell homeostasis. The results revealed that a progressive decrease in renal function is associated with activation and selective loss of naive T cells and CD4+ central memory cells and a marked increase in CD8+ memory T cells that lack CD45RO and CCR7. The profile of T cell subsets of patients with CKD 5 with or without hemodialysis treatment was similar except for a pronounced shift to Th1 cells in hemodialysis patients. IL-7 but not IL-15 plasma concentrations were lowered in patients with end-stage renal disease as compared to healthy controls.
Litjens
Nicolle H R
NH
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Room Ee 551, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands. n.litjens@erasmusmc.nl
van Druningen
Corné J
CJ
Betjes
Michiel G H
MG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000097:blood; D015851:Interleukin-7 / Q000097:blood; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000276:immunology*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine / Q000378:metabolism; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
D019409:Interleukin-15; D015851:Interleukin-7; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine