Peripheral CD39-expressing T regulatory cells are increased and associated with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in relapsing patients

Sci Rep. 2019 Feb 19;9(1):2302. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-38897-w.

Abstract

CD39, an ectonucleotidase that hydrolyses pro-inflammatory ATP, is a marker of highly active and suppressive T regulatory cells (Tregs). Although CD39 has a role in Treg suppression and might be important in the control of neuroinflammation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS), to date, there are contradictory reports concerning the Tregs expression of CD39 in RR-MS patients. Thus, our objectives were to assess the activity and expression of CD39, especially in Tregs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of relapsing RR-MS patients compared with control subjects and to evaluate the association of CD39+ Tregs with disability and the odds of RR-MS. The activity and expression of CD39 and the CD39+ Treg frequency were measured in PBMCs from 55 relapsing RR-MS patients (19 untreated and 36 receiving immunomodulatory treatment) and 55 age- and sex-paired controls. Moreover, the association between CD39+ Tregs and RR-MS was assessed by multivariate logistic regression. CD39 activity and the frequency of CD39-expressing Tregs were elevated in relapsing RR-MS patients. Moreover, CD39+ Tregs were significantly correlated with the EDSS score and were independently associated with the odds of RR-MS. Our results highlight the relevance of CD39+ Treg subset in the clinical outcomes of RR-MS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism*
  • Apyrase / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride / pharmacology
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Glatiramer Acetate / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / immunology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / metabolism*
  • Natalizumab / pharmacology
  • Peripheral Blood Stem Cells / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Natalizumab
  • Glatiramer Acetate
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • Apyrase
  • CD39 antigen
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride