CD4+ and CD8+ T cell expansions using selected TCR V and J gene segments at the onset of giant cell arteritis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate T cell receptor (TCR) V alpha/V beta (and in selected cases, J beta) usage in CD4+ and CD8+ peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA), before and after treatment, as well as to analyze the HLA types of these patients.

METHODS:

Flow cytometry, with 10 anti-TCR V-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAb), was used. To analyze J beta usage by cell populations expressing certain V beta, we used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, with V beta- and C beta-specific primers, Southern blotting of PCR products, and subsequent hybridization with radiolabeled J beta-specific probes. HLA typing was performed using the microlymphocytotoxicity technique.

RESULTS:

Seven of the 9 GCA patients had increased anti-TCR V MAb reactivities (interpreted as T cell expansions), which in many cases, correlated with clinical signs of disease. A strict preference for particular J beta segments was found in 3 of 3 expanded CD4+ T cell populations.

CONCLUSION:

T lymphocytes expressing specific antigen receptors are implicated in the pathogenesis of GCA.

• Authors: J Grunewald, R Andersson, L Rydberg, D Gigliotti, C Schaufelberger, G K Hansson, H Wigzell
• Journal: Arthritis and rheumatism (Arthritis Rheum) Vol. 37 Issue 8 Pg. 1221-7 (Aug 1994) ISSN: 0004-3591 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7914410 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• CD8 Antigens
• HLA-DR Antigens
• Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta

Topics

• Aged
• CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes (physiology)
• CD8 Antigens (analysis)
• Female
• Flow Cytometry
• Giant Cell Arteritis (etiology, genetics, immunology)
• HLA-DR Antigens (genetics)
• Haplotypes
• Humans
• Leukocytes, Mononuclear (metabolism)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta (genetics)
• T-Lymphocytes (immunology, metabolism)