Possible role of HLA-B27 associated cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity in the pathogenesis of the seronegative arthropathies

Article Abstract:

New approaches and technologies may help to uncover predisposing factors that cause certain forms of joint disease. Researchers are trying to discover the relationship between the human lymphocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) and joint diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Reiter's syndrome, and reactive arthritis. Destructive T cells known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) have been found to disintegrate HLA-B27 in blood cells of AS patients. CTL may be implicated in damaging tissue containing HLA-B27, which may lead to inflammation. Inflammation may precipitate the joint disease process. AS is a disease of the spine, and CTL may attack this area in particular. Transgenic rats have been used to prove that CTL targets HLA-B27. Further study of bacterial factors that can change HLA-B27 should be conducted.

Development and progression, Cell-mediated cytotoxicity, Cell mediated cytotoxicity, HLA histocompatibility antigens, HLA antigens, Infectious arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome

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B cell clonality in gastric lymphoid tissues of patients with Sjogren's syndrome

Article Abstract:

There does not seem to be an association between the lymph tissue found in the stomachs of some patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and an identified viral infection. Researchers compared test results of stomach tissue samples from 21 patients with SS and 80 patients with digestion disorders (the control group). There were lymph cells present in the stomach lining cells of 33.3% of the SS patients and 21.5% of the control group. An equal percentage of SS samples with (71%) and without (71%) lymph cells present also had evidence of Helicobacter (H.) pylori infection. Other viruses detected in the SS samples included the Epstein-Barr virus (9.5%) and human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6, 14.5%). Four of nine SS samples that showed B cell antibody activity had an H. pylori infection and one had an HHV-6 infection.

Sjogren's syndrome, Lymphoid tissue, Gastric mucosa

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A walk round the edges of self tolerance

Article Abstract:

Different theories have been developed to explain how the body avoids attacking its own tissues. One widely accepted theory is the clonal selection theory. According to this theory, an immunological response is stimulated when a lymphocyte (white blood cell) binds an antigen from an invading microorganism. The idiotype network is a later theory that proposes additional interaction between a network of lymphocyte receptors. The clonal selection theory may be incorrect. Many antigens cannot produce an immune response without an adjuvant. Another factor is the restricted range of many autoimmune diseases. In animal models, lymphocytes need both an antigen and an adjuvant helper to create an immune response. Autoimmunity may be caused by an immunological response to proximal self proteins.

Research, Autoimmunity

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