Glucocorticoids increase CD4CD25 cell percentage and Foxp3 expression in patients with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether percentages of CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells (a group of regulatory T cells, Treg) differ in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in relapse vs remission after glucocorticoid treatment and whether treatment for relapses changes Treg population and the expression of Foxp3, a key Treg-associated molecule.


METHODS
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from 20 patients with MS during relapse, just before and 2 days after starting steroid treatment (i.v. methylprednisolone 1 g/day for 3 days) and then 6 weeks after treatment. CD4(+)CD25(hi) cells were analysed by using flow cytometry. Cytokines were measured by using an ELISA and Foxp3, CD3 and CD25 expression by using quantitative real-time PCR.


RESULTS
The percentage of CD4(+)CD25(hi) cells, plasma IL-10 and Foxp3/CD3 ratio increased 48 h after methylprednisolone initiation and returned to baseline values by 6 weeks post-treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that glucocorticoids increase Treg cell functional molecules and percentages. This may be a mechanism whereby steroids expedite recovery from MS relapses.
Braitch
M
M
University of Nottingham, UK.
Harikrishnan
S
S
Robins
R A
RA
Nichols
C
C
Fahey
A J
AJ
Showe
L
L
Constantinescu
C S
CS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000097:blood; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / Q000032:analysis*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000187:drug effects*
C418974:FOXP3 protein, human; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D005938:Glucocorticoids; C508609:IL10 protein, human; D053645:Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit; D015850:Interleukin-6; D016753:Interleukin-10; D008775:Methylprednisolone
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