B lymphocyte cytokine profile in a monozygotic twin pair discordant for nephrotic syndrome

Indian J Pediatr. 2013 Oct;80(10):875-7. doi: 10.1007/s12098-013-0984-0. Epub 2013 Feb 9.

Abstract

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is the most common glomerular disorder of childhood and a leading cause of pediatric renal failure; however the etiology of NS remains largely unknown. Recent reports demonstrating that an anti-CD20 antibody can induce remission of NS strongly suggest a potentially novel role for B cells in NS pathogenesis. In this report, the authors investigated B cell cytokine profiles following in vitro stimulation in a monozygotic twin pair discordant for NS. The results revealed that clear differences in the cytokine profiles of B cells exist between the patient and the unaffected twin. This is the first report of altered B lymphocyte responses among a monozygotic twin pair that is discordant for NS. Future studies are needed to identify cytokine differences that track with NS relapse and/or NS response to therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / immunology
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Twins, Monozygotic

Substances

  • Cytokines