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Tissue specificity of E- and P-selectin ligands in Th1-mediated chronic inflammation.

The demonstrated role of E- and P-selectin ligands in the recruitment of Th1 cells raises the question of tissue specificity determination by pathogenic T cells. We took advantage of the fact that chronic Th1-mediated inflammation in the scid/scid CD4+CD45RBhigh T cell transfer model can occur at multiple tissue sites, resembling inflammatory bowel disease in the colon and psoriasis in the skin. We show that the majority of infiltrating effector T cells from psoriatic skin expresses high levels of functional P-selectin ligand (87 +/- 3%), detected by P-selectin-Ig (PIg), while a significantly smaller subset of T cells from colitic lesions expresses this ligand (24 +/- 2%). Similarly, E-selectin ligand is preferentially expressed on CD4+ T cells infiltrating the skin (24 +/- 2%), but only on very few CD4+ T cells infiltrating the colon (CIT; 1.3 +/- 0.8%). In contrast, CD4+ T cells infiltrating the skin express alpha4beta7 at a significantly lower level than CIT (mean fluorescence intensity, 28 vs 61, respectively), although, interestingly, alphaEbeta7 was expressed at high levels on both populations. Analysis of the disease-inducing potential of PIg+ and PIg- CD4+ CIT cells revealed that both populations not only express similar levels of the gut-homing molecule alpha4beta7 (mean fluorescence intensity, 50 vs 56, respectively), but do not differ in their capacity to express IFN-gamma. Furthermore, CIT depleted of cells expressing functional P-selectin ligand were able to induce colitis upon transfer, suggesting that induction of colitis in this model may be independent of E- and P-selectin. These results indicate that adhesion molecule expression and the homing pattern of inflammatory T cells are regulated by the local environment independently of their inflammatory capacity.

Adoptive Transfer↗

Antigen-specific proliferation of porcine CD8alphaalpha cells to an extracellular bacterial pathogen.

A vaccine inducing protective immunity to a spirochaete-induced colitis of pigs predominantly stimulates expansion of CD8+ cells in vivo and in antigen-stimulated lymphocyte cultures. CD8+ cells, however, are rarely considered necessary for protection against extracellular bacterial pathogens. In the present study, pigs recovering from colitis resulting from experimental infection with Brachyspira (Serpulina) hyodysenteriae had increased percentages of peripheral blood CD4- CD8+ (alphaalpha-expressing) cells compared with non-infected pigs. CD8alphaalpha+ cells proliferated in antigen-stimulated cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from B. hyodysenteriae-vaccinated pigs. Proliferating CD8alphaalpha+ cells consisted of CD4-, CD4+ and gammadelta T-cell receptor-positive cells. CD4- CD8alphabeta+ cells from vaccinated or infected pigs did not proliferate upon in vitro antigen stimulation. Of the CD8alphaalpha cells that had proliferated, flow cytometric analysis indicated that the majority of the CD4+ CD8+ cells were large (i.e. lymphoblasts) whereas the CD4- CD8+ cells were predominantly small. Addition of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) specific for either porcine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or class II antigens diminished B. hyodysenteriae-specific proliferative responses whereas addition of mAb to porcine MHC II, but not porcine MHC I, reduced the CD8alphaalpha response. In vitro depletion of CD4+ cells by flow cytometric cell sorting diminished, but did not completely abrogate, the proliferative response of cells from vaccinated pigs to B. hyodysenteriae antigen stimulation. These results suggest that CD8alphaalpha cells are involved in recovery and possibly protection from a spirochaete-induced colitis of pigs; yet, this response appears to be partially dependent upon CD4+ cells.

Animals↗

Enhanced autoreactivity of T-lymphocytes in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic, cholestatic liver disease in which immune mechanisms are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis. We have determined the frequencies and functional phenotypes of autoreactive T-lymphocytes in peripheral blood specimens from patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and healthy adults as an indicator of autoreactivity in primary sclerosing cholangitis. We found a significant increase in the percentage of autoreactive suppressor/cytotoxic T-lymphocytes that become activated in the T-, non-T-autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction in primary sclerosing cholangitis patients (p less than 0.002). Blastogenesis in autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction cultures from primary sclerosing cholangitis patients was significantly decreased (p less than 0.02), and the magnitude of the decrease correlated directly with the percentage of activated suppressor/cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (r = 0.56, p less than 0.01). The percentage of autoreactive, suppressor T-lymphocytes was increased in autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction cultures from primary sclerosing cholangitis patients (p less than 0.0001); and suppression of mitogen-induced blastogenesis by autologous concanavalin A-treated mononuclear cells was significantly enhanced. These results, which were unrelated to the histologic stage of liver disease and the presence or absence of active colitis, document the presence of an expanded population of T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis that became activated on exposure to autologous major histocompatibility antigens in the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction. We hypothesize that these autoreactive cells may be a marker or may participate as effector cells in cell-mediated autoimmunity in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Adult↗

Antiviral activity of shiga toxin 1: suppression of bovine leukemia virus-related spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation.

Human infections with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause hemorrhagic colitis. The Stxs belong to a large family of ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) that are found in a variety of higher plants and some bacteria. Many RIPs have potent antiviral activity for the plants that synthesize them. STEC strains, both virulent and nonvirulent to humans, are frequently isolated from healthy cattle. Interestingly, despite intensive investigations, it is not known why cattle carry STEC. We tested the hypothesis that Stx has antiviral properties for bovine viruses by assessing the impact of Stx type 1 (Stx1) on bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from cows infected with bovine leukemia virus (BLV). PBMC from BLV-positive animals invariably displayed spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation (SLP) in vitro. Stx1 or the toxin A subunit (Stx1A) strongly inhibited SLP. Toxin only weakly reduced the pokeweed mitogen- or interleukin-2-induced proliferation of PBMC from normal (BLV-negative) cows and had no effect on concanavalin A-induced proliferation. The toxin activity in PBMC from BLV-positive cattle was selective for viral SLP and did not abrogate cell response to pokeweed mitogen- or interleukin-2-induced proliferation. Antibody to virus or Stx1A was most effective at inhibiting SLP if administered at the start of cell culture, indicating that both reagents likely interfere with BLV-dependent initiation of SLP. Stx1A inhibited expression of BLV p24 protein by PBMC. A well-defined mutant Stx1A (E167D) that has decreased catalytic activity was not effective at inhibiting SLP, suggesting the inhibition of protein synthesis is likely the mechanism of toxin antiviral activity. Our data suggest that Stx has potent antiviral activity and may serve an important role in BLV-infected cattle by inhibiting BLV replication and thus slowing the progression of infection to its malignant end stage.

Animals↗

Interferon-gamma and interleukin-10 reciprocally regulate endothelial junction integrity and barrier function.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with Th1/Th2 cytokine dysregulation, leukocyte extravasation, and tissue edema, but the mechanisms for cytokine-mediated vascular dysfunction are not understood. To investigate how cytokines might control edema in IBD, we determined vascular permeability and IFN-gamma expression in two models of murine colitis: SCID mice reconstituted with CD45RB(high T-lymphocytes (CD45RB(high)/SCID mice), and interleukin-10 gene deficient (IL-10(-/-)) mice. We also investigated the in vitro effects of IFN-gamma and IL-10 on human endothelial solute barrier and junction protein expression. Vascular permeability in CD45RB(high)/SCID and IL-10(-/-) mice was quantified using tissue (131)I-IgG accumulation. The IFN-gamma message was quantified using the ribonuclease protection assay. Endothelial barrier integrity in vitro was measured by transmonolayer electrical resistance, and junctional proteins were examined by immunoblotting and fluorescence microscopy. Both CD45RB(high)/SCID and IL-10(-/-) mice exhibit enhanced colonic microvascular leakage and IFN-gamma message levels compared to their respective controls. In vitro, IFN-gamma also reduced endothelial barrier (monolayer electrical resistance, increased albumin permeability) and reduced tight junction (occludin) expression and staining. These effects were reversed by pretreatment of monolayers with IL-10. Therefore, in vivo IFN-gamma and IL-10 may modulate microvascular leakage in IBD partly by controlling the expression of intestinal endothelial tight junctional proteins.

Animals↗

The proportion of Th1 cells, which prevail in gut mucosa, is decreased in inflammatory bowel syndrome.

T lymphocytes and their cytokines have an important role in the regulation of immune responses in the gut and in the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation such as in Crohn's disease. The aim of this study was to analyse the Th1/Th2 cytokine profile (IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10) in intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) and lamina propria lymphocytes (LPL) in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in relation to healthy controls (C). Colonic and ileal biopsy specimens were obtained from controls (n = 13) and patients with CD (n = 32). Colonic biopsies were obtained from patients with UC (n = 11). Intracytoplasmic IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were determined by flow cytometry after PMA-ionomycin stimulation in IEL and LPL. In colonic LPL, a significant proportional decrease of IFN-gamma and IL-2 producing CD3+ cells was observed in patients with CD and UC compared to controls. In ileal LPL, a similar tendency was found although differences were not significant. In IEL no differences in cytokine profiles could be observed. Flow cytometric analysis of intracytoplasmic cytokines at single cell level showed a proportional decrease of IFN-gamma and IL-2 producing T cells in colonic lamina propria in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Adolescent↗

Naturally arising CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells suppress the expansion of colitogenic CD4+CD44highCD62L- effector memory T cells.

Naturally arising CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (T(R)) cells have been shown to prevent and cure murine T cell-mediated colitis. However, their exact mechanism of controlling colitogenic memory CD4+ T cells in in vivo systems excluding the initial process of naive T cell activation and differentiation has not been examined to date. Using the colitogenic effector memory (T(EM)) CD4+ cell-mediated colitis model induced by adoptive transfer of colitogenic CD4+CD44(high)CD62L(-) lamina propria (LP) T cells obtained from colitic CD4+CD45RB(high) T cell-transferred mice, we have shown in the present study that CD4+CD25+ T(R) cells are able not only to suppress the development of colitis, Th1 cytokine production, and the expansion of colitogenic LP CD4+ T(EM) cells but also to expand these cells by themselves extensively in vivo. An in vitro coculture assay revealed that CD4+CD25+ T(R) cells proliferated in the presence of IL-2-producing colitogenic LP CD4+ T(EM) cells at the early time point (48 h after culture), followed by the acquisition of suppressive activity at the late time point (96 h after culture). Collectively, these data suggest the distinct timing of the IL-2-dependent expansion of CD4+CD25+ T(R) cells and the their suppressive activity on colitogenic LP CD4+ T(EM) cells.

Adoptive Transfer↗

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells cure murine colitis: the role of IL-10, TGF-beta, and CTLA4.

Regulatory T cells are critical in regulating the immune response, and therefore play an important role in the defense against infection and control of autoimmune diseases. However, a therapeutic role of regulatory T cells in an established disease has not been fully established. In this study, we provide direct evidence that CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells can cure an established, severe, and progressive colitis. SCID mice developed severe colitis when adoptively transferred with naive CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells and infected with the protozoan parasite Leishmania major. The disease development can be completely halted and symptoms reversed, with a healthy outcome, by transferring freshly isolated or activated CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells from syngeneic donors. The therapeutic effect of the regulatory T cells was completely blocked by treatment of the recipients with anti-IL-10R, anti-CTLA4, or anti-TGF-beta Ab. However, the resurgence of colitis under these treatments was not accompanied by the reactivation of Th1 or Th2 response nor was it correlated to the parasite load. These results therefore demonstrate that CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells are therapeutic and that the effect is mediated by both IL-10/TGF-beta-dependent and independent mechanisms. Furthermore, colitis can manifest independent of Th1 and Th2 responses.

Adoptive Transfer↗

Expression of 4C8 antigen, a novel transendothelial migration-associated molecule on activated T lymphocytes, in inflammatory bowel disease.

Recruitment of peripheral leukocytes to intestine is an essential process for intestinal inflammation. This study examined the localization of a novel molecule, 4C8 antigen, in inflammatory bowel disease; this molecule is involved in the transendothelial migration of T lymphocytes. Surgical specimens of human intestine were obtained from nine patients with ulcerative colitis, 13 with Crohn's disease, and eight controls. Immunohistological staining was performed using antibodies against 4C8 antigen, and CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68, CD45RA, CD45RO, CD11a, and CD62 (E- and P-selectin) by the peroxidase method. Immunological double staining was subsequently performed for the same specimens stained with anti-4C8 antibody using the alkaline phosphatase method. In normal controls, 4C8-positive cells were mainly found in lamina propria. 4C8-positive cells were increased in lamina propria and submucosa of specimens with Crohn's disease. Accumulation of 4C8-positive cells surrounding CD62-positive vessels was found in the submucosa of specimens with inflammatory bowel disease, but not in controls. Immunohistological double staining revealed that the major subsets of 4C8-positive cells were positive for CD3, CD4, CD45RO, and CD11a. 4C8-positive cells in human intestine belong to the subset of helper/inducer memory T cells newly recruited from the peripheral pool. Inhibition of the 4C8-ligand system could have potentially uses in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Adult↗

In vitro effects of naloxone on T-lymphocyte-dependent antibacterial activity in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients and in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Naloxone acts as an opioid antagonist, displacing opioid drugs from cellular receptors. Among opioid substances, beta-endorphins are able to bind to several cell receptors, even including those expressed by immune cells. In this respect, evidence has been provided that in the course of viral infections, as well as in patients with ulcerative colitis high levels of beta-endorphins are detectable. Here, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from 21 HCV infected patients and 14 patients with IBD, respectively, were incubated with Naloxone and Naloxone + Ca2+ in order to evaluate a putative modulation of PBL-mediated antibacterial activity. In fact, previous studies have demonstrated a reduction of this T-cell activity in HCV and IBD patients. In general terms, the above treatment led to a recovery of the depressed antibacterial activity. In some cases, increase in T lymphocyte function was obtained with Naloxone alone, while in other cases the combination Naloxone + Ca2+ gave rise to a restorative effect. Of note, in some instances, lymphocytes were unresponsive to pharmacological modulation. The overall results suggest that beta-endorphins may down modulate T-cell antibacterial response in HCV and in IBD patients by saturating peripheral receptors on immune cells. Therefore, it is likely that Naloxone and/or Naloxone + Ca2+ may displace opioid drugs, thus antagonizing their effects.

Adolescent↗

Correlation of rectum-associated lymph nodules with the development of experimentally induced acute colonic inflammation in rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The mechanisms of inflammation in ulcerative colitis occurring initially in the rectum and then extending throughout the colon are still unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation of rectum-associated lymph nodules (RALN) and the development of a dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimentally acute colonic inflammation in rats. METHODS: We immunohistochemically analyzed the lymph nodules in the rectal region of rats using monoclonal antibodies to specific markers. RESULTS: Rectum-associated lymph nodules resembled the Peyer's patches, where CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes and Mar 1+ macrophages were observed. After the administration of dextran-sulfate sodium (DSS), RALN showed hypertrophy with an increase in the number of CD4+, CD8+, and interleukin (IL)-2R+ lymphocytes in the periphery, as well as Mar 1+ macrophages in the entire region. Concurrently, platelet/endothelin cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1+) blood vessels, including high-endothelial venules (HEV), were increased in number in the interfollicular areas. Furthermore, a number of small lymph nodules varying in size were observed in the upper region of the rectum. Some of them were initially confined to the lamina propria mucosae, and became large enough to extend deeper into the tela submucosa. These DSS-induced lymph nodules contained large numbers of CD4+ lymphocytes, IL-2R+ lymphocytes, and Mar 1+ macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: The pathological changes of ulcerative colitis were well correlated with the development of both RALN and DSS-induced lymph nodules. The immunological reaction that occurred in DSS-induced lymph nodules is significantly associated with the expansion of colitis from the lower region of rectum to the upper region of rectum and colon.

Animals↗

Increased spontaneous secretion of rheumatoid factor by intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells from Crohn's disease but not ulcerative colitis patients.

Increased levels of rheumatoid factors (RF) have been observed in the serum of Crohn's disease but not ulcerative colitis patients, and have been proposed to relate to an increased state of intestinal lymphocyte activation. We have therefore examined the spontaneous in vitro secretion of RF by intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells (MNC) isolated from specimens from control and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) patients. Normal intestinal lamina propria MNC spontaneously secrete rheumatoid factors of different isotypes during 14 days of in vitro culture (9.7 ng/ml IgA RF, 11.6 ng/ml IgM RF and 64.6 ng/ml IgA anti-Fc (IgG)). In matched studies intestinal MNC isolated from normal large bowel exhibited significantly greater levels of RF synthesis and secretion in vitro than normal small bowel intestinal MNC. A large increase in spontaneous RF secretion was observed from Crohn's disease intestinal MNC (21.4 ng/ml IgA RF, 21.4 ng/ml IgM RF, and 108.15 ng/ml IgA anti-Fc (IgG)), when compared with normal controls. The amount of RF secreted was dependent on the amount of inflammatory activity of the bowel specimens, from which the MNC were isolated (198.3 ng/ml of IgA anti-Fc(IgG) from involved versus 50.0 ng/ml from matched non-involved tissue). Ulcerative colitis MNC released decreased amounts of RF (7.1 ng/ml IgA RF, 6.2 ng/ml IgM RF, and 42.3 ng/ml IgA anti-Fc(IgG)). These observations using isolated intestinal MNC may explain the findings of RF changes in the sera of inflammatory bowel disease patients. Our observations support the hypothesis of a heightened state of activation in normal intestinal lamina propria MNC, which is further increased in active Crohn's disease. The dissimilarities observed between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may indicate fundamental differences in disease pathophysiology and will lead to further studies exploring intestinal immunoregulatory properties of RF.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗

Disparate CD4+ lamina propria (LP) lymphokine secretion profiles in inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease LP cells manifest increased secretion of IFN-gamma, whereas ulcerative colitis LP cells manifest increased secretion of IL-5.

In this study, we investigate whether human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) is associated with altered lymphokine secretion profiles, as recently found in various animal models of chronic intestinal inflammation. In initial studies, we determined the proliferative responses of purified lamina propria (LP) CD4+ T cells from patients with IBD under defined conditions of T cell stimulation. We found that IBD LP CD4+ T cells in comparison with control LP CD4+ T cells have diminished TCR/CD3 pathway proliferative responses, whereas CD2/CD28 accessory pathway proliferative responses are relatively preserved. In further studies centering on lymphokine production, we showed that LP T cells from inflamed Crohn's disease mucosa manifest increased IFN-gamma secretion compared with control LP T cells, particularly when stimulated via the CD2/CD28 pathway. Subsequent ELISPOT analysis indicated that this was due to an increased number of IFN-gamma-secreting CD4+ T cells. In contrast, IL-4 and IL-5 production by Crohn's disease LP T cells was decreased compared with that of control LP T cells. Of interest, IL-2 production by Crohn's disease LP T cells was also reduced, as was IL-2 production by peripheral blood T cells. In parallel studies, LP T cells from inflamed ulcerative colitis mucosa stimulated via either the TCR/CD3/CD28 or CD2/CD28 produced increased amounts of IL-5, again when measured either as secreted IL-5 or by ELISPOT analysis. Such increased IL-5 production was not associated with increased IL-4 secretion and, in contrast to Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis LP T cell production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma was normal. Taken together, these studies provide strong evidence that the immunopathologic process characteristic of the two major forms of IBD is associated with very different cytokine secretion patterns. These different patterns may determine the type of inflammatory process present.

CD2 Antigens↗

Experimental Campylobacter jejuni infection in Macaca nemestrina.

Experimental infection of four specific-pathogen-free Macaca nemestrina monkeys (aged 3.5 and 4.5 months) with Campylobacter jejuni 81-176 caused acute diarrheal illness, characterized by fluid diarrhea, bloody stools, and fecal leukocytes, which lasted for approximately 7 to 11 days. Histologic examination of intestinal biopsies showed acute colitis characterized by infiltration of the mucosa with neutrophils and lymphocytes, and cryptitis. There were no histologic changes in the small intestine. Excretion of C. jejuni was demonstrated for 2 to 4 weeks postchallenge. Plasma antibodies to C. jejuni group antigen were elevated after challenge. Only mild diarrhea occurred after rechallenge with the same strain or with a heterologous C. jejuni strain (79-168) followed by further elevation in specific immunoglobulins A, M, and G. Four 1-year-old juvenile M. nemestrina monkeys which had experienced multiple infections with Campylobacter spp. did not exhibit illness when challenged with C. jejuni 81-176. All had elevated immunoglobulin A, M, and G plasma antibodies prior to challenge, and these humoral antibody levels were indicative of the immunity to challenge. The results demonstrate that C. jejuni infection in M. nemestrina caused colitis with clinical and pathologic results similar to those found in humans and indicate that prior infection protects against subsequent challenge.

Animals↗

Increased frequency of abnormal gamma delta T cells in blood of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

We have previously reported a preferential usage of V delta 1/V gamma 8 on TCR-gamma-delta-bearing intraepithelial lymphocytes of the normal human intestine as well as in the inflamed synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the present study was to analyze V gene segment usage by gamma delta T cells of the intestine and peripheral blood (PB) from patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Freshly isolated lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry using a panel of V gene subset-specific mAbs. The relative proportion of PB TCR-gamma delta+ cells was increased in patients with Crohn's disease as compared with controls. Interestingly, an increased proportion of PB gamma delta T cells of patients with ulcerative colitis or CrD expressed V delta and V gamma genes typically used by intraepithelial lymphocytes. Thus, increased proportions of V delta 1+ and V gamma 8+ cells were found in the PB of both patient groups. The majority of TCR-gamma delta+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) in inflamed and noninflamed intestine expressed V delta 1/V gamma 8, and a substantial proportion of V gamma(2,3,4)+ cells were found. These observations suggest a disease-associated appearance of "gut-like" gamma delta T cells in the periphery. Moreover, two patients had a large proportion of gamma delta T cells in their PB of which the majority expressed two distinct V gamma proteins. Both of these patients had a short duration of disease (1 and 10 mo, respectively) and the relative proportion of gamma delta T cells decreased in concert with stabilization of disease. Interestingly, one of the patients had a clonal expansion of a V gamma dual-expressing gamma delta T cell in the PB.

Base Sequence↗

HLA-DR antigens on colonic epithelial cells in inflammatory bowel disease: I. Relation to the state of activation of lamina propria lymphocytes and to the epithelial expression of other surface markers.

The colonic epithelial expression of HLA-DR molecules and of other markers of cell membrane perturbation was investigated by immunofluorescence in biopsy specimens from patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It was found that in virtually all specimens from either groups showing active inflammation there was a diffuse epithelial expression of HLA-DR molecules. There was no relation between the grading of active inflammation and the epithelial expression of HLA-DR antigens. The epithelium of virtually all specimens from the macro and microscopically uninvolved areas of patients with active colitis and from patients with histologically quiescent colitis showed no detectable expression of HLA-DR molecules. The counts of isolated lamina propria lymphocytes expressing the transferrin receptor and the interleukin 2 receptor were higher in specimens with HLA-DR+ epithelium than in those with a HLA-DR- epithelium. Twenty-nine of the 35 (83%) HLA-DR positive specimens proved to express the 4F2 antigen on their epithelium and 19 (54%) were positive for the transferrin receptor. All sections positive for either the 4F2 antigen or the transferrin receptor were also HLA-DR positive while all HLA-DR negative sections were also negative for either of the two other markers. Data in this study suggest that in active IBD the epithelial participation in active inflammation is associated with a sequence of cell membrane rearrangements, and that the expression of HLA-DR molecules is a part of this sequence.

Antigens, Surface↗

Expression and functional characterization of FOXP3+ CD4+ regulatory T cells in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (TR) can prevent or treat experimental murine colitis but little is known about their potential role in human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). FOXP3 is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the development and function of CD4+CD25+ TR. The aim of this study was to examine the presence and functional characteristics of TR cells in colonic lymphoid tissues in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: FOXP3 expression was assessed by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Functional characterization of CD4+CD25+ cells was analyzed by suppression of proliferation and secretion of cytokines by cocultured effector CD4+CD25- T cells. RESULTS: FOXP3 +CD4+ T cells are increased in the lamina propria (LP) of inflamed and noninflamed areas of UC colon compared to normal colon. CD4+CD25+ T cells in UC mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) express FOXP3 mRNA and protein and suppress the proliferation of autologous MLN CD4+CD25 T cells. The suppressor activity of MLN CD4+CD25+ T cells is cell contact-dependent but cytokine-independent. In addition, CD4+CD25+ T cells potently suppress the production of both Thl (IFN-gamma, IL-2) and Th2 (IL-5, IL-13) cytokines by cocultured CD4+CD25 T cells. FOXP3' cells localized in the T-cell-rich areas of MLN and occasionally present in the follicles. CONCLUSIONS: There is an expansion of FOXP3+CD4+ T cells in mucosal lymphoid tissues in UC. CD4+CD25+ isolated from UC MLN express FOXP3 and display features of TR cells in spite of active mucosal inflammation. These data suggest that their suppressor activity may be abrogated in vivo or they are unable to counterbalance the chronic mucosal inflammation in UC.

CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes↗