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Effect of steroid on the frequency of regulatory T cells and expression of FOXP3 in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a two-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION: Regulatory T cells (Treg) have an important role in maintainance of peripheral tolerance. Treg disregulation is implicated as a factor in different autoimmune disorders. However, studies in humans often include patients undergoing treatment with various immunomodulatory drugs. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of glucocorticoid (GC) therapy on Treg frequency in newly-diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. As Treg specific marker we used FOXP3, a transcription factor involved in their development and function. METHODS: We obtained peripheral blood samples from a newly-diagnosed SLE patient before the initiation of GC treatment, after three weeks of GC treatment, and again after two years, during which chloroquine was also introduced. We isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and performed a 4-color flow cytometry analysis of CD4+CD25+ and FOXP3+ T cells. In addition, disease activity and clinical and laboratory parameters during follow-ups were determined. Peripheral blood samples from fourteen age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers were used as controls. RESULTS: GC treatment was accompanied with an increased frequency of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cells in a SLE patient compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Although the increase in FOXP3+ Tregs is suggestive, their actual regulatory potential remains to be determined, and warrants further studies in a larger number of patients.

regulatory T cells ; FOXP3 ; corticosteroids ; systemic lupus erythematosus

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