CD8+T cell abnormalities in scleroderma lung disease

These data are consistent an important role for CD8+T cells in the completex pathology of lung fibrosis in scleroderma. These cels are increased in number, are activated, appear to have undergone initial selection by antigen stimulation, with increased oligoclonality, and have n unusual phenotype for CD8+T cells, that of production of type 2 cytokines. Cytolytic pathways appear to be engaged. These CD8+T cells may persist in vivo because of reduced activation-induced cell death. The cytokines and growth factors that they produce may directly stimulate extracellular matrix production