Chunhong Zhu; Xiaoying Ni; Jiangming Xu; Hao Wang; Hongqiang Shen
Abstract
The balance between follicular helper T cells (Tfh) and follicular regulatory T cells (Tfr) is crucial for maintaining immune tolerance. Tfh cells are key in producing autoantibodies by providing essential help to germinal center (GC) B cells, while Tfr cells prevent autoimmune inflammatory processes ...
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The balance between follicular helper T cells (Tfh) and follicular regulatory T cells (Tfr) is crucial for maintaining immune tolerance. Tfh cells are key in producing autoantibodies by providing essential help to germinal center (GC) B cells, while Tfr cells prevent autoimmune inflammatory processes by controling Tfh responses. However, the signals that regulate Tfh and Tfr cells are largely unknown. Due to dysregulated Tfr/Tfh balance and autoantibody production, regulatory B cells (Bregs) have emerged as a key checkpoint in the GC response. Bregs are B cells with immunosuppressive capabilities. Significant advancements have been made in understanding the roles of Bregs, particularly their capacity to produce cytokines with anti-inflammatory properties and regulate Th17, Th1, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the context of autoimmune conditions. Bregs also play a pivotal role in shaping the development, regulation, and localization of Tfh and Tfr cells within the immune environment. Consequently, gaining mechanistic knowledge about the interactions between Tfh-Bregs and Tfr-Bregs has the potential to establish homeostasis and suppress the development of autoantibodies in a various disorders. Within the context of autoimmune disorders, this article provides a concise summary of the dysregulation of Tfh/Tfr, highlighting the critical role of Bregs in regulating this balance. The previously unrecognized interplay between Bregs and Tfh/Tfr cells will serve as an essential basis for the comprehension and management of autoimmune illnesses. It also promises to offer invaluable knowledge of the biological mechanisms of autoantibody synthesis.
Paria Heydarinezhad; Nasser Gholijani; Zahra Habibagahi; Mohammad Reza Malekmakan; Zahra Amirghofran
Abstract
Background: FOXP3, an important transcription factor of regulatory T cells has shown a contribution to the development of various autoimmune diseases. Objectives: To investigate the influence of FOXP3 polymorphisms (rs3761548 and rs2294021) on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility and patients' ...
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Background: FOXP3, an important transcription factor of regulatory T cells has shown a contribution to the development of various autoimmune diseases. Objectives: To investigate the influence of FOXP3 polymorphisms (rs3761548 and rs2294021) on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility and patients' characteristics. Methods: Genotyping was performed on 265 patients with SLE and 404 healthy controls using PCR-RFLP. Patients' demographic, laboratory, and clinical information were all documented. The relationship between the SNPs and patients' characteristics was statistically analyzed. Results: The frequency of C/- genotype in male patients was significantly higher than in the healthy male controls, whereas the frequency of A/- genotype was lower (OR=0.53; 95% CI=0.28-1.00, p=.05). Analysis of the correlation between these SNPs and the patients' characteristics showed a longer disease duration in the rs3761548 C/- carriers and a correlation with arthralgia in both SNPs. In the females, there was a significant association between CC haplotype and disease susceptibility (OR=0.6, CI=0.38-0.94, p=.027). A significant association of both SNPs with the history of abortion was also detected. The frequencies of the rs3761548 AA (p=.006) and the rs2294021 CC genotypes (p=.038) and AC/AC combination (p=.033) were higher in women who had an abortion. We found a correlation between the rs3761548 AC genotype and the decreased C4 level and cardiovascular involvement, and the rs2294021 CC genotype with ESR, neurological involvement, and photosensitivity. Conclusions: FOXP3 rs3761548 C/- genotype association with disease susceptibility in male patients, an association of both SNPs with the abortion risk in female patients, and the correlation between these SNPs and several clinical features of the patients suggest their association with the disease development and pathology.
Firouz Pouralibaba; Zohreh Babaloo; Farzaneh Pakdel; Tahmoores Abdollahian; Solmaz Pourzare
Volume 9, Issue 4 , December 2012, , Pages 261-265
Abstract
Background: Pemphigus vulgaris, a chronic mucocutaneous disease, is the most prevalent type of pemphigus which manifests with development of bullae and erosions on skin and mucosal membranes. Objectives: To investigate the potential role of IL-23 in pemphigus vulgaris. Methods: In this study, 30 patients ...
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Background: Pemphigus vulgaris, a chronic mucocutaneous disease, is the most prevalent type of pemphigus which manifests with development of bullae and erosions on skin and mucosal membranes. Objectives: To investigate the potential role of IL-23 in pemphigus vulgaris. Methods: In this study, 30 patients with pemphigus vulgaris and 30 healthy individuals were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Measurement of IL-23 serum levels in blood samples was conducted by ELISA. Data was analyzed using Student’s t-test for comparison of IL-23 levels between the two groups. Results: Mean serum levels of IL-23 in patients with pemphigus and healthy controls were 25.1 ± 4.2 and 17.9 ± 4.7 pg/ml, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, serum levels of IL-23 were higher in patients with pemphigus in comparison to healthy individuals with no clinical significance.
