Distinct proteinase 3-induced cytokine patterns in Wegener's granulomatosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, and healthy controls

CER4403
2011 Vol.29, N°1 ,Suppl.64
PI 0057, PF 0062
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PMID: 21470489 [PubMed]

Received: 18/12/2010
Accepted : 25/02/2011
In Press: 11/05/2011
Published: 11/05/2011

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
To analyse whether a specific cytokine pattern is elicited in response to the autoantigen proteinase 3 (PR3) in active Wegener`s granulomatosis (WG).
METHODS:
Six-colour flow cytometry was used to analyse cytokine production and surface markers of the total CD4+ T-cell population ex vivo and in PR3-stimulated T-cell lines of patients with active PR3-ANCA-positive WG, PR3-ANCA-negative Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS), and healthy controls (HC).
RESULTS:
The cytokine response of the total PB CD4+ T cell population was skewed towards distinct pro-inflammatory cytokine patterns in WG (Th1-type) and CSS (Th17, Th1-/Th2-type). Th2-type as well as Th17 cell populations including Th17/Th1, Th17/Th2 and Th22 cells were elicited in response to PR3 stimulation in WG. In contrast, CSS patients displayed a Th2-type dominated response following PR3 stimulation.
CONCLUSIONS:
These data suggest that the cytokine response of the total CD4+ T-cell population and PR3-specific cells is influenced by the underlying disorder.