Complement C4 induces regulatory T cells differentiation through dendritic cell in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic systemic autoimmune disease. Complement component 4 (C4) has be proved to play a role in pathogenesis of SLE. In the present study, we investigated the effect of C4 on T cells differentiation.

METHODS:

Thirty SLE patients were included in this study. CD4+ T cells were isolated from healthy subjects, and dendritic cells (DCs) were isolated from healthy subjects or SLE patients. C4 was supplemented to co-incubate with T cells and DCs.

RESULTS:

Serum C4 concentration was positively correlated with regulatory T cell (Treg) percentage (R(2) = 0.5907, p < 0.001) and TGFβ concentration (R(2) = 0.5641, p < 0.001) in SLE patients. Different concentrations of C4 had no effect on T cells differentiation. Co-incubated T cells with DCs and C4 for 7 days, the Treg percentage and TGF-β concentration were significantly elevated. In addition, pre-treated DCs (from healthy subjects or SLE patients) with C4 and then co-incubated with T cells, the increases of Treg percentage and TGF-β concentration were also observed.

CONCLUSION:

C4 takes part in T cells differentiation to Treg cells via DCs.

• Authors: Hong-Bin Cheng, Rong-Yi Chen, Jing-Ping Wu, Li Chen, Yan-Hua Liang, Hai-Feng Pan, Zi-Feng Pan, Qing-Hua Zhang, Qing Li, Tian-Xi Du, Yong-Mei Lv, Jian-Qiang Shi
• Journal: Cell & bioscience (Cell Biosci) Vol. 5 Pg. 73 ( 2015) ISSN: 2045-3701 [Print] England
• PMID: 26705467 (Publication Type: Journal Article)