Abstract
Churg Strauss Syndrome (CSS) is a systemic vasculitis in which oligoclonal T cell expansions might be involved in the pathogenesis. Combined analysis of TCR-Vβ expression profile by flow cytometry and of TCR gene rearrangement by heteroduplex PCR was used to detect and characterize T cell expansions in 8 CSS patients, 10 asthmatics and 42 healthy subjects. In all CSS patients one or two Vβ families were expanded among CD8+ cells, with an effector memory phenotype apt to populate tissues and inflammatory sites. Heteroduplex PCR showed the presence of one or more clonal TCR rearrangements, which reveals monoclonal or oligoclonal T cells subpopulations. After purification with a Vβ specific monoclonal antibody, each CD8+/Vβ+ expanded family showed a single TCR rearrangement, clearly suggestive of monoclonality. All CD8+ expansions were detectable throughout the disease course. TCR-Vβ expanded or deleted populations were not observed in asthmatic patients. Clonal CD8+/Vβ+ T cell expansions might be useful as a disease marker.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 94-102 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Clinical Immunology |
Volume | 128 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2008 |
Keywords
- Churg Strauss Syndrome
- Flow cytometry
- Gene rearrangement
- T cell Receptor
- T-lymphocyte
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology
- Immunology and Allergy