Changes in CD73, CD39 and CD26 expression on T-lymphocytes of ANCA-associated vasculitis patients suggest impairment in adenosine generation and turn-over

Sci Rep. 2017 Sep 15;7(1):11683. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-12011-4.

Abstract

Extracellular adenosine, generated via the concerted action of CD39 and CD73, contributes to T-cell differentiation and function. Adenosine concentrations are furthermore influenced by adenosine deaminase binding protein CD26. Because aberrant T-cell phenotypes had been reported in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic auto-antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients, an impaired expression of these molecules on T-cells of AAV patients was hypothesized in the present study. While in AAV patients (n = 29) CD26 was increased on CD4+ lymphocytes, CD39 and CD73 were generally reduced on patients' T-cells. In CD4+ cells significant differences in CD73 expression were confined to memory CD45RA- cells, while in CD4- lymphocytes differences were significant in both naïve CD45RA+ and memory CD45RA- cells. The percentage of CD4-CD73+ cells correlated with micro-RNA (miR)-31 expression, a putative regulator of factor inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (FIH-1), inversely with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and positively with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). No correlation with disease activity, duration, and ANCA profile was found. It remains to be assessed if a decreased CD73 and CD39 expression underlies functional impairment of lymphocytes in AAV patients. Likewise, the relations between frequencies of CD4-CD73+ cells and serum CRP or eGFR require further functional elucidation.

MeSH terms

  • 5'-Nucleotidase
  • Adenosine / metabolism*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / pathology*
  • Apyrase / analysis*
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 / analysis*
  • Female
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • 5'-Nucleotidase
  • NT5E protein, human
  • DPP4 protein, human
  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4
  • Apyrase
  • ENTPD1 protein, human
  • Adenosine