Programmed cell death of myelin basic protein-specific T lymphocytes is reduced in patients with acute multiple sclerosis

J Neuroimmunol. 2005 Sep;166(1-2):173-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.05.010.

Abstract

We investigated the apoptosis of myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific T lymphocytes in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with acute (AMS) or stable (SMS) MS by evaluating the expression of apoptosis markers on peripheral cells. Cells of healthy controls (HC) were evaluated as well. Results showed that mitogen-stimulated apoptosis was comparable among patients and controls, whereas MBP-stimulated CD4+ and CD8+ 7-AAD+ and 7-AAD+ Fas+ cell (apoptotic cells) were significantly reduced in AMS patients. A reduction of the apoptotic rate of myelin-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes could be involved in the immune-mediated destruction of the myelin sheath seen in AMS patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Apoptosis*
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / metabolism
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology*
  • Myelin Basic Protein / metabolism*
  • Myelin Basic Protein / pharmacology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / metabolism
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / pharmacology
  • fas Receptor / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Myelin Basic Protein
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • fas Receptor
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate