Expression of T-cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecule-3 on lymphocytes from Henoch-Schoenlein purpura patients

ABSTRACT

To investigate T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule-3 [Tim-3] and its ligand galectin-9 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs] from Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura [HSP] patients. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction [PCR] was used to examine the mRNA expression of Tim-3 and its ligand galectin-9 in PBMCs from HSP patients. ELISA methods were used to examine the levels of serum IFN-gamma and immunoglobulin A1 [IgA1]. The Spearman rank test was used for correlation analysis between Tim-3, galectin-9 mRNA expression and serum IFN-gamma and IgA1 levels, respectively. The results showed that Tim-3 and galectin-9 mRNA expression was obviously higher in patients, which was closely correlated with serum IFN-gamma and IgA1, respectively. The results suggested that Tim-3/Tim-3L may be related to the pathogenesis of HSP