Decreased TCR ζ-chain expression in T cells from patients with acquired aplastic anaemia

In aplastic anaemia, T cells have a central role in the pathophysiology of bone marrow destruction. This study showed that T cells from patients with aplastic anaemia expressed decreased T-cell receptor (TCR) zeta-chain protein and mRNA levels compared to healthy controls. Patients with decreased TCR zeta-chain showed an abnormal response in intracellular calcium following stimulation through the TCR. We also observed an altered pattern of the transcription factors CREM alpha and Elf-1 that are implicated in zeta-chain transcription. We concluded that TCR zeta-chain expression was decreased in the majority of patients with aplastic anaemia, regardless of disease activity or treatment status.