engleski

Toll-like receptors and regulatory T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus

Infections have been known to trigger and/or aggravate certain autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Invading microorganisms are recognized by the innate immune system via Toll-like receptors (TLRs). We investigated the TLR expression in peripheral blood cells of SLE patients and healthy controls by multi-color flow cytometry staining. Patients were analyzed before the onset of therapy, after 3 weeks of corticosteroid therapy, and again after 3 months, when chloroquine was added to the protocol. Furthermore, as TLR activation can affect the function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), we performed a 2-year follow-up of a newly diagnosed patient to examine the frequency of Foxp3+ Tregs before and during therapy. Patients taking corticosteroids had lower TLR2 expression on monocytes compared to healthy controls. TLR9 expression in B cells was higher in patients treated with corticosteroids than in controls. When chloroquine was introduced and steroid dose lowered, TLR9 expression fell back to the levels observed in controls. The results of in vitro stimulation of isolated cells from healthy donors with dexamethasone and/or chloroquine were in accordance with TLR expression behavior in patients. The percentage of Foxp3+ Tregs increased after 3 weeks of corticosteroid therapy and remained nearly at the same level after 2 years, although the patient’ s symptoms slightly deteriorated. Further experiments are under way to clarify the significance of TLR and Treg levels in SLE and possible immunomodulatory effects of drugs used in treatment.

autoimmune disease; SLE; patients; therapy; TLR9

Dr. med. Alma-Martina Cepika nagrađena je putnom stipendijom DANA Foundation.