CD4+ invariant T-cell-receptor+ natural killer T cells in bronchial asthma.

摘要: Background Bronchial asthma is associated with an inflammatory process that characterized by the presence in airways of large numbers CD4+ T cells producing interleukin-4 and interleukin-13. However, CD4 antigen expressed not only class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC)–restricted cells, but also a newly identified subgroup CD1d-restricted natural killer cells. These express conserved (invariant) T-cell receptor have potent immunoregulatory function. Because mouse models allergic indicate are required for development allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity, we hypothesized play important role human asthma. Methods We used CD1d-tetramers, antibodies specific as well reverse-transcriptase–polymerase-chain-reaction analysis invariant to assess frequency distribution lungs circulating blood 14 patients Results About 60 percent pulmonary CD4+CD3+ moderate-tosevere persistent were MHC–restricted but, rather, The produced type 2 helper cytokines. In contrast, found sarcoidosis conventional Conclusions Together studies mice indicating requirement our results strongly suggest prominent pathogenic