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Zhou C, Gao S, Yuan X, Shu Z, Li S, Sun X, Xiao J, Liu H. Association between CTLA-4 gene polymorphism and risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:19397-19414. [PMID: 34339393 PMCID: PMC8386564 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) gene polymorphisms may be involved in the risk of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, evidence for the association remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to confirm the relationship between CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms and RA. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of association. Stratified analysis was conducted by ethnicity. In total, 66 case-control studies including 21681 cases and 23457 controls were obtained. For rs3087243 polymorphism, significant association was detected in Asians (A vs. G: OR=0.77, 95%CI=0.65-0.90, P=0.001; AA vs. GG: OR=0.67, 95%CI=0.48-0.94, P=0.02) and Caucasians (A vs. G: OR=0.89, 95%CI=0.86-0.93, P<0.00001; AA vs. GG: OR=0.81, 95%CI=0.75-0.88, P<0.00001). For rs231775 polymorphism, significant association was observed in the overall (G vs. A: OR =1.16, 95%CI=1.08-1.25, P<0.0001; GG vs. AA: OR=1.29, 95%CI=1.12-1.50, P=0.0006), and in Asians (G vs. A: OR=1.27, 95%CI=1.10-1.47, P=0.001; GG vs. AA: OR=1.58, 95%CI=1.24-2.01, P=0.0002), but not in Caucasians. However, there was no association between rs5742909 polymorphism and RA. This meta-analysis confirmed that rs3087243 and rs231775 polymorphism were associated with the risk of RA in both overall population and ethnic-specific analysis, but there was no association between rs5742909 polymorphism and RA risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuankun Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Shutao Gao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliate Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xi Yuan
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Zixing Shu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Song Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xuying Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Orthopedics Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430000, Hubei, China
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Mousavi MJ, Shayesteh MRH, Jamalzehi S, Alimohammadi R, Rahimi A, Aslani S, Rezaei N. Association of the genetic polymorphisms in inhibiting and activating molecules of immune system with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021; 26:22. [PMID: 34221051 PMCID: PMC8240549 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_567_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that the genetic polymorphisms in the genes encoding immune regulatory molecules, namely cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) and CD28, play a fundamental role in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several disperse population studies have resulted in conflicting outcomes regarding the genetic polymorphisms in these genes and RA risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was performed to reach a conclusive understanding of the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CTLA4-rs231775, CTLA4-rs5742909, and CD28-rs1980422 in susceptibility to RA. Databases (ISI Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Scopus) were searched to find the case–control studies surveying the association of CTLA4 gene rs231775, CTLA4 gene rs5742909, and CD28 gene rs1980422 polymorphisms and RA susceptibility in different population until August 2020. Association comparison between the polymorphisms and RA proneness was assessed using pooled odds ratio (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval. This study was conducted on 16 population studies, comprising 1078 RA patients and 1118 healthy controls for CTLA4-rs231775, 2193 RA patients and 2580 healthy controls for CTLA4-rs5742909, and 807 RA patients and 732 healthy controls for CD28-rs1980422. Analysis indicated that G-allele, GG and GA genotypes, and dominant model for rs231775, recessive model for rs5742909, and C-allele, CC and CT genotypes, and recessive model for rs1980422 were significantly associated with increased RA risk. This meta-analysis showed that genetic polymorphisms of both immune inhibitory and activating genes, including CTLA4-rs231775, CTLA4-rs5742909, and CD28-rs1980422 polymorphisms, may increase susceptibility to RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javad Mousavi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sirous Jamalzehi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Reza Alimohammadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezou Rahimi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Aslani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
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Rosik J, Szostak B, Machaj F, Pawlik A. The Role of CTLA4 and Its Polymorphisms in Solid Organ and Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063081. [PMID: 33802937 PMCID: PMC8002677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA matching, transplantation technique, or underlying disease greatly influences the probability of long-term transplantation success. It has been hypothesised that genetic variation affecting antigen presentation also contributes to the outcomes of both solid organ transplantation and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). Those genes, along with those responsible for innate and adaptive immunity, have become targets of investigation. In this review, we focus on the role of CTLA4 in the process of acute graft rejection and summarise the progress in our understanding of its role in predicting the outcome. We present the results of the latest studies investigating the link between CTLA4 gene variability and AHSCT, as well as organ transplantation outcomes. While some studies found a link between +49 A/G and −318 C/T and transplantation outcomes, comprehensive meta-analyses have failed to present any association. The most recent field reviews suggest that the −1772 T/C (rs733618) CC genotype is weakly associated with a lower risk of acute graft rejection, while +49 A/G might be clinically meaningful when investigated in the context of combinations with other polymorphisms. Studies verifying associations between 12 CTLA4 gene SNPs and AHSCT outcomes present inexplicit results. Some of the most commonly studied polymorphisms in this context include +49 A/G (rs231775) and CT60 A/G (rs3087243). The results signify that, in order to understand the role of CTLA4 and its gene polymorphisms in transplantology, further studies must be conducted.
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Liu W, Yang Z, Chen Y, Yang H, Wan X, Zhou X, Liu R, Zhang Y. The Association Between CTLA-4, CD80/86, and CD28 Gene Polymorphisms and Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Original Study and Meta-Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:598076. [PMID: 33604347 PMCID: PMC7884472 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.598076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is related to several pivotal susceptibility genes, including cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and costimulatory molecule (CD80/CD86) genes. Although the connection between polymorphisms of CTLA-4 and CD86 genes in different populations of RA have been studied extensively, the results are controversial. Objective: To clarify the correlation in the Chinese Han population between CTLA-4, CD80/86, and CD28 gene polymorphisms, and RA susceptibility. Methods: A case-control study (574 RA patients and 804 controls) was conducted to determine the correlation between CTLA-4 rs231775 and rs16840252 gene polymorphisms, CD86 rs17281995 gene polymorphisms, and the risk of RA for the Chinese Han population. Furthermore, an additional meta-analysis, including three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (CTLA-4 rs231775, CTLA-4 rs3087243, and CTLA-4 rs5742909) from 32 citations, including 43 studies, 24,703 cases and 23,825 controls was performed to elucidate the relationship between known SNPs in the CTLA-4 genes and RA for more robust conclusions. Results: The results showed that CTLA-4 rs231775 gene polymorphism decreased the RA risk (GA vs. AA, OR = 0.77, P = 0.025), whereas CTLA-4 rs16840252 and CD86 rs17281995 gene polymorphisms were not related to RA susceptibility. Stratification analyses by RF, ACPA, CRP, ESR, DAS28, and functional class identified significant associations for CTLA-4 rs231775 and rs16840252 gene polymorphisms in the RF-positive and RF-negative groups. A meta-analysis of the literature on CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms and RA risk revealed that the risk of RA was decreased by CTLA-4 rs231775 gene polymorphisms. Conclusions: The CTLA-4 rs231775 gene polymorphism decreased the risk of RA, whereas CTLA-4 rs16840252 and CD86 rs17281995 gene polymorphisms were not related to RA risk. A meta-analysis indicated that CTLA-4 rs231775 and rs3087243 gene polymorphisms decreased the risk of RA. To support these analytical results, additional clinical cases should be investigated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixi Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Zhicheng Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Haoyu Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxian Wan
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xindie Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Ruiping Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yunkun Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
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A sequencing study of CTLA4 in Pakistani rheumatoid arthritis cases. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239426. [PMID: 32946523 PMCID: PMC7500603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease. The interaction of genetic and environmental factors is likely necessary for RA. Among potential genetic factors, many major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and non-MHC variants may be involved in RA susceptibility. CTLA4 is involved in the regulation of T-cell response during an immune reaction, and multiple CTLA4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with numerous autoimmune diseases, including RA. To our knowledge, the genetic association of CTLA4 with RA risk has not been examined previously in the Pakistani population. In this study, we sequenced the entire CTLA4 gene and flanking regions in 95 Pakistani RA cases followed the screening of identified variants in Study 1 sample consisting of 350 RA cases and controls. Four common significant variants identified in Study 1 sample were further examined in a larger Study 2 replication sample comprising 1,678 independent RA cases and controls. We report significant associations of three variants from the combined analysis: rs3087243 (OR = 1.26, p = 4.47E-03), rs5742909 (OR = 1.78, p = 4.60E-03), and rs11571319 (OR = 1.48, p = 6.64E-03); the latter is a novel association in the Pakistani sample.
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Molecular analysis of CTLA4 gene in patients with Behçet's disease from an Iranian Northwest Azeri population. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Li L, Liu J, Qin S, Li R. Correlation between CTLA4 genetic polymorphisms, its serum protein level and the susceptibility to recurrent spontaneous abortion: A case-control study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e12754. [PMID: 30334961 PMCID: PMC6211885 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000012754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Present study was aimed to detect the influence of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4) gene polymorphisms for the risk of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), as well as the serum level of CTLA4 protein in RSA patients.One hundred thirty-three RSA patients and 146 healthy persons were recruited in this case-control study. PCR-RFLP was used to genotype the CTLA4 gene polymorphisms both in case and control groups. Serum level of CTLA4 was detected by ELISA kit. Quantitative variables were compared by t test or Mann-Whitney U test between groups. Qualitative variables were evaluated by χ test or Fisher exact test. Association strength was expressed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).G allele of rs4553808 (P = .027, OR = 0.570, 95% CI = 0.345-0.942) and T allele of rs5742909 (P = .027, OR = 0.570, 95% CI = 0.345-0.942) were distinctly associated with reduced susceptibility of RSA. Distinctly negative association has been discovered between rs231775 AA genotype and RSA susceptibility (P = .040, OR = 0.427, 95% CI = 0.188-0.973). CTLA4 protein had significantly higher serum level in RSA patients than in healthy controls (P = .028). In RSA patients, AA genotype carriers had higher CTLA4 serum level than that GG genotype carriers (17.83 ± 6.35 ng/mL vs 10.41 ± 7.28 ng/mL, P = .039).Minor alleles of CTLA4 polymorphisms might inhibit the RSA susceptibility via upregulated the protein expression level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University
| | - Shuang Qin
- Department of Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiman Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliate Hospital of Jinan University
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López-Villalobos EF, Carrillo-Ballesteros FJ, Muñoz-Valle JF, Palafox-Sánchez CA, Valle Y, Orozco-Barocio G, Oregon-Romero E. Association of CD28 and CTLA4 haplotypes with susceptibility to primary Sjögren's syndrome in Mexican population. J Clin Lab Anal 2018; 33:e22620. [PMID: 29992636 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by destruction of exocrine glands as a result of T and B cells infiltrated in glandular tissue. CD28 and CTLA-4 play a crucial role in T cell activation and inhibition. The aim of this study was to associate CD28 and CTLA4 haplotypes with susceptibility to pSS in patients from western Mexico. METHODS Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism were performed to identify CD28 and CTLA4 genotypes in 111 patients with pSS and 138 control subjects (CS). Haplotype analysis was carried out by SHEsis program. Soluble serum levels of CD28 (sCD28) and CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4) were quantified by ELISA kit. RESULTS The CD28 GC haplotype was associated with low risk to pSS (2.5-folds, P < 0.001). CTLA4 CAG and CGA were identified as genetic risk factor (P < 0.001;OR = 3.82[CI95%:2.022-7.296] and P < 0.001; OR = 11.38[CI95%:3.282-37.69] respectively). No difference in sCD28 and sCTLA-4 were found between patients and CS. However, pSS patients carriers of CD28 IVS3 + 17TC genotype showed high sCD28 (P = 0.039 vs TT carriers in CS). In regard to sCTLA-4, patient who carry CTLA4-319C>T, +49 A>G, and +6230 G>A, or their haplotypes did not show any difference. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that CD28 GC, CTLA4 CAG, and CGA haplotypes are associated with susceptibility to pSS in patients from western Mexico. It seems that genetic control of CD28 and CTLA4 as well as local immune response in glandular tissue may regulate the impact of the gene expression in pSS. It is necessary to confirm this hypothesis in an integrative study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Fabiola López-Villalobos
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México
| | - Francisco Josué Carrillo-Ballesteros
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México
| | - José Francisco Muñoz-Valle
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México
| | - Claudia Azucena Palafox-Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México
| | - Yeminia Valle
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México
| | | | - Edith Oregon-Romero
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, México
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Association of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4 Gene Polymorphisms with Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Case-Control Study in Turkish Population. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:1643906. [PMID: 29850619 PMCID: PMC5937418 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1643906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, and autoimmune skin disease in which dysregulation of immune cells, particularly T cells, is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) expressed only on activated T cells is an immunoregulatory molecule and plays a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. We aimed to determine whether CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms are associated with development and/or clinical features of psoriasis vulgaris (Pv). Genotyping of SNPs (−318C>T, +49A>G, and CT60A>G) in CTLA-4 gene was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 103 Pv patients and 102 controls. No statistically significant associations were detected in any of the investigated genetic models for the −318C>T polymorphism. The genotype distributions of +49A>G and CT60A>G were associated with Pv development. In haplotype analysis, while frequency of CAA haplotype was significantly higher in the control group, frequencies of CGG and CAG haplotype were significantly higher among the patients. However, all of CTLA-4 polymorphisms and haplotypes do not have an effect on severity and onset age of Pv. In conclusion, the +49A>G and CT60A>G polymorphisms may be risk factors for Pv development. Furthermore, CGG and CAG haplotypes may contribute to Pv development, while CAA haplotype may be protective against Pv.
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Analysis of PD-1 and Tim-3 expression on CD4 + T cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis; negative association with DAS28. Clin Rheumatol 2018; 37:2063-2071. [PMID: 29626269 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-018-4076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Expression of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (Tim-3) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) was studied on CD4+ T cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Association of Tim-3 and PD-1 expression with disease activity of RA patients was also addressed. A total of 37 RA patients and 31 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Disease activity of RA patients was determined by Disease Activity Score of 28 joints scoring system (DAS28). A three-color flow cytometry method was applied to determine the frequency of Tim-3+/PD-1+/CD4+ T cells. To measure the cytokine production, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with PMA/ionomycin. Concentrations of IL-17, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were measured in culture supernatants by ELISA. The frequency of PD-1+/CD4+ and Tim-3+/PD-1+/CD4+ T cells was significantly higher in patients with RA compared to that in controls (p = 0.0013 and p = 0.050, respectively). The percentage of Tim-3+/CD4+ T cells was similar in patients and controls (p = 0.4498). The RA patients have produced significant higher levels of TNF-α, IL-17, and IFN-γ than those of healthy controls (p = 0.0121, p = 0.0417, and p = 0.0478, respectively). Interestingly, an inverse correlation was found between the frequency of Tim-3+/CD4+ cells and DAS28 of RA patients (r = - 0.4696, p = 0.0493). Similarly, the percentage of Tim-3+/PD-1+/CD4+ T cells was also revealed an inverse correlation with DAS28 (r = - 0.5268, p = 0.0493). Moreover, significant positive correlations were detected between the concentrations of TNF-α (r = 0.6418, p = 0.0023) and IL-17 (r = 0.4683, p = 0.0373) with disease activity of RA patients. Our results indicate that Tim-3 and PD-1 are involved in immune dysregulation mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis and could be considered as useful biomarkers for determination of disease activity and progression.
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