Abstract
Cytolytic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) plays a critical role in the down-regulation of antigen-activated immune responses. The aberrant CTLA-4 expression is characterized by low surface and intracellular levels of CTLA-4 protein, impaired up-regulation of CTLA-4 in T cells in response to ConA stimulation and high levels of soluble CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4) in serum. The serum levels of sCTLA-4 are positively correlated with the serum concentration of antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor. The (AT)(n) polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region contributes to decreased mRNA stability and, hence, to reduced expression of CTLA-4.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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AT Rich Sequence / genetics*
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Abatacept
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Adult
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Alleles
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Antigens, CD
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Antigens, Differentiation / blood*
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Antigens, Differentiation / genetics*
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Antigens, Differentiation / immunology
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CD28 Antigens / genetics
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CD28 Antigens / immunology
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CD3 Complex / immunology
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CTLA-4 Antigen
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Cells, Cultured
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Concanavalin A
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DNA / analysis
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DNA / genetics
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Female
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Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
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HLA-DR Antigens / genetics
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HLA-DR Antigens / immunology
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Humans
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Immunoconjugates*
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Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Myasthenia Gravis / blood*
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Myasthenia Gravis / genetics*
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Myasthenia Gravis / immunology
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Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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Receptors, Nicotinic / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes / cytology
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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Up-Regulation / genetics*
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Up-Regulation / immunology
Substances
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Antigens, CD
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Antigens, Differentiation
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CD28 Antigens
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CD3 Complex
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CTLA-4 Antigen
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CTLA4 protein, human
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HLA-DR Antigens
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Immunoconjugates
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Immunosuppressive Agents
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, Nicotinic
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Concanavalin A
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Abatacept
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DNA