Limited T-cell receptor beta-chain heterogeneity among interleukin 2 receptor-positive synovial T cells suggests a role for superantigen in rheumatoid arthritis.

摘要: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease affecting the synovial membranes of articulating joints that thought to result from T-cell-mediated autoimmune phenomena. T cells responsible for pathogenesis RA are likely present in fraction expresses interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R), one marker T-cell activation. We report herein an analysis (TCR) beta-chain gene expression by IL-2R-positive cells. These were isolated uncultured tissue specimens using IL-2R-specific monoclonal antibodies and magnetic beads, TCR transcription was analyzed PCR-catalyzed amplification panel primers specific human variable region (V beta). Multiple V beta families found be transcribed these patients samples; however, three families, 3, 14, 17, majority five samples analyzed, suggesting bearing s had been selectively retained microenvironment. In many instances, or 17 repertoires amplified individual patient dominated single rearrangement, indicative clonal expansion synovium supportive role RA. Of note high sequence similarity between polypeptides, particularly fourth complementarity-determining (CDR). Given binding sites superantigens have mapped CDR4s chains, localization with significant CDR4 homology indicates beta-specific activation superantigen may play