Open AccessCD4+ and CD8+ T cell expansions using selected TCR V and J gene segments at the onset of giant cell arteritis
Author(s) -
Grunewald Johan,
Andersson Rune,
Rydberg Lennart,
Gigliotti Dulceaydee,
Schaufelberger Christopher,
Hansson Gö Ran K.,
Wigzell Hans
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780370817
Subject(s) - t cell receptor , cd8 , giant cell arteritis , microbiology and biotechnology , t cell , flow cytometry , monoclonal antibody , biology , pathogenesis , polymerase chain reaction , immunology , antigen , pathology , antibody , gene , medicine , vasculitis , disease , genetics , immune system
Objective . To investigate T cell receptor (TCR) V α /V β (and in selected cases, J β ) usage in CD4+ and CD8+ peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA), before and after treatment, as well as to analyze the HLA types of these patients. Methods . Flow cytometry, with 10 anti‐TCR V‐specific monoclonal antibodies (MAb), was used. To analyze J β usage by cell populations expressing certain V β , we used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, with V β ‐ and C β ‐specific primers, Southern blotting of PCR products, and subsequent hybridization with radiolabeled J β ‐specific probes. HLA typing was performed using the microlymphocytotoxicity technique. Results . Seven of the 9 GCA patients had increased anti‐TCR V MAb reactivities (interpreted as T cell expansions), which in many cases, correlated with clinical signs of disease. A strict preference for particular J β segments was found in 3 of 3 expanded CD4+ T cell populations. Conclusion . T lymphocytes expressing specific antigen receptors are implicated in the pathogenesis of GCA.