Blood γ/δΤ cells′ expression,effect and receptor polymorphism in systemic lupus erythematosus / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective　To make clear the expression,role and receptor polymorphism of γ/δ T cells in peripheral blood in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods　Total γ/δ T cells,Vγ1 and Vγ9/Vδ2 subsets in peripheral blood of 12 normal controls,12 active and 12 stable SLE patients was examined by using cytometry assay.Then,peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated with γ/δ specific antigen.TCR γ/δ receptor expression and Vδ2 chain CDR3 (complementary determination region) length display analysis were investigated further in these patients using SSCP method.Results　The number of γ/δ T cells were remarkably decreased in active SLE patients,and the γ/δ T cells did not show proliferation after antigen stimulation in SLE.Vδ2 was expressed in all of the SLE patients.CDR3 of Vδ2 genes was polyclonally displayed.Conclusion　This result adds more weight to the protective role of γ/δ T cells in SLE.It is postulated that γ/δ T cells might have deficient function and act as suppressor T cells.But it appears that there are no specific antigens that stimulate γ/δ T cells to proliferate leading to the occurrence of SLE.