Journal
DISEASE MARKERS
Volume 2014, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
HINDAWI LTD
DOI: 10.1155/2014/249846
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Funding
- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [Wi-3723/1-1]
- Open Access Program of the University Duisburg-Essen
- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
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Background/Aim. ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a small-vessel vasculitis of autoimmune origin. In addition to autoantibodies, T cells have a pivotal pathophysiological role in this disease. T-cell homeostasis and immune tolerance critically depend on IL-2 and its receptor expressed by T cells. In this study, we investigated the IL-2 receptor (IL-2r) expression on CD4(+) T cells in AAV. Methods. Thirty patients with AAV and 15 age-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. T cells from peripheral blood were analysed by flow cytometry for expression of the IL-2r alpha- and beta-chain. Results. The IL-2r alpha-chain was overexpressed in AAV as compared to HC (36 +/- 16% versus 20 +/- 9%, P < 0.005). The IL-2r-beta-chain expression was significantly reduced on CD25(+) CD4(+) T-cells and CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(pos) regulatory T-cells (Tregs; AAV versus HC: 48 +/- 14% versus 62 +/- 9%, P = 0.002 and 38 +/- 18% versus 68+/-5%, P = 0.002). Low beta-chain expression in AAV was associated with relapsing disease and systemic vasculitis with renal involvement. Conclusion. The IL-2r expression pattern is abnormal in AAV. To our knowledge, we are the first to show that the.. chain expression is drastically diminished on T cells in AAV and related to a less favorable disease course. Given the indispensable function of the beta-chain in IL-2 signaling of T cells, diminished expression may contribute to disturbed immune homeostasis in AAV.
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