T-helper cell activation in bullous pemphigoid.

Abstract

In 10 untreated patients suffering from acute bullous pemphigoid the number of peripheral blood T cells (CD 3), T suppressor (CD 8) and T helper cells (CD 4) as well as activation antigens (DR and Tac) bearing lymphocytes was evaluated by monoclonal antibodies. While the pan-T cell population (CD 3) and T suppressor subpopulation (CD 8) were normal, the T helper subpopulation (CD 4) and the number of DR and Tac positive lymphocytes were significantly increased in the acute stage of bullous pemphigoid when compared to the age- and sex-matched controls. Phenotypically those DR positive cells belonged to the pan-T cell population (CD 3) at 66% and to the T helper subpopulation (CD 4) at 53% respectively. Under treatment with immunosuppressants the cell counts returned to normal suggesting a T helper cell activation to be involved in the acute stage of bullous pemphigoid.

• Authors: J Schaller, U F Haustein, H Fiebig
• Journal: Acta dermato-venereologica (Acta Derm Venereol) Vol. 67 Issue 6 Pg. 520-3 ( 1987) ISSN: 0001-5555 [Print] Sweden
• PMID: 2451379 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Surface
• HLA-DR Antigens
• Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
• Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7

Topics

• Antigens, Surface (immunology)
• HLA-DR Antigens (immunology)
• Humans
• In Vitro Techniques
• Pemphigoid, Bullous (immunology)
• Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell (immunology)
• Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous (immunology)
• T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer (cytology, immunology)
• T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory (cytology, immunology)
• Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7