Systemic lupus erythematosus of childhood onset: correlation between T cells expressing early and late activation antigens and disease activity

Abstract

Abstract. Correlation between T cell phenotypes, especially activated T cells expressing early (EA1) and late (HLA-DR) activation antigens and clinical features were investigated in 22 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) of childhood onset. Percentages of T cells expressing EA1 and HLA-DR in 22 patients with SLE were significantly higher than those in controls. Comparison of T ceil phenotypes between patients with active and inactive SLE showed that eight patients with active disease had significantly increased percentages of HLA-DR positive T cells than 14 with inactive disease (P < 0.01). Serial examinations showed that the percentages of HLA-DR positive T cells were decreased after therapy in seven with active non-renal or active non-renal and renal diseases but not in one with only active renal disease. A possible significance of T cells expressing EA1 and HLA-DR in the management of patients with SLE is discussed.

The CD8+HLA‐DR+ T cells expanded in HIV‐1 infection are qualitatively identical to those from healthy controls

“…Expansions of CD8 + T cells positive for HLA‐DR expression occur in other disease settings and in healthy individuals. They can be observed in the blood of individuals with certain types of autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus , mixed connective tissue disease , multiple sclerosis , psoriasis , rheumatoid arthritis , or Wegener's granulomatosis . They also increase as part of the normal aging process .…”