Myelin basic protein-specific T lymphocytes proliferation and programmed cell death in demyelinating diseases

Clin Immunol. 2008 Dec;129(3):509-17. doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2008.08.010. Epub 2008 Oct 17.

Abstract

A dynamic equilibrium between proliferation and programmed cell death (PCD) of auto-reactive T lymphocytes plays a pivotal role in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. We analyzed T lymphocytes myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific PCD and proliferation in demyelinating diseases. Results showed that MBP-specific PCD was significantly decreased in CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), not determined leukoencephalopathy (NDLE), and acute MS (AMS) patients compared to patients with stable MS (SMS) and healthy controls. MBP-specific proliferation/PCD rates were high in CD4+ T lymphocytes of PML, NDLE, and AMS patients, and in CD8+ T cells of PML and AMS individuals alone. Alterations of the balance between MBP-specific proliferation and PCD are present in demyelinating diseases and could play a major role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Apoptosis / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • DNA, Viral / chemistry
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Demyelinating Diseases / immunology*
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • JC Virus / genetics
  • JC Virus / immunology
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Myelin Basic Protein / genetics
  • Myelin Basic Protein / immunology*
  • Peptide Fragments / immunology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • DNA, Viral
  • Myelin Basic Protein
  • Peptide Fragments