The Impact of T Cell Vaccination in Alleviating and Regulating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Manifestation

J Immunol Res. 2016:2016:5183686. doi: 10.1155/2016/5183686. Epub 2016 Dec 4.

Abstract

Objective. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease identified by a plethora of production of autoantibodies. Autoreactive T cells may play an important role in the process. Attenuated T cell vaccination (TCV) has proven to benefit some autoimmune diseases by deleting or suppressing pathogenic T cells. However, clinical evidence for TCV in SLE is still limited. Therefore, this self-controlled study concentrates on the clinical effects of TCV on SLE patients. Methods. 16 patients were enrolled in the study; they accepted TCV regularly. SLEDAI, clinical symptoms, blood parameters including complements 3 and 4 levels, ANA, and anti-ds-DNA antibodies were tested. In addition, the side effects and drug usage were observed during the patients' treatment and follow-up. Results. Remissions in clinical symptoms such as facial rash, vasculitis, and proteinuria were noted in most patients. There are also evident reductions in SLEDAI, anti-ds-DNA antibodies, and GC dose and increases in C3 and C4 levels, with no pathogenic side effects during treatment and follow-up. Conclusions. T cell vaccination is helpful in alleviating and regulating systemic lupus erythematosus manifestation.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / blood
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / transplantation*
  • Complement C3 / immunology
  • Complement C4 / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / therapy*
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycophenolic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vaccination / methods*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Autoantibodies
  • Complement C3
  • Complement C4
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Mycophenolic Acid
  • Methotrexate