Disturbances of modulating molecules (FOXP3, CTLA-4/CD28/B7, and CD40/CD40L) mRNA expressions in the orbital tissue from patients with severe graves' ophthalmopathy

Mediators Inflamm. 2015:2015:340934. doi: 10.1155/2015/340934. Epub 2015 Jan 12.

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate the relationship between the expression of orbital tissue mRNA for FOXP3, CTLA-4/CD28/CD80/CD86, and CD40/CD40 and the severity of Graves' orbitopathy (GO). Material and Methods. Orbital tissue was obtained from 26 patients with GO, with mild (n = 6) or severe GO (n = 20), and 7 healthy controls. The expression of mRNA of FOXP3, CTLA-4/CD28/CD80/CD86, CD40/CD40L was measured by RT-PCR. TCR and CD3 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results. Higher mRNA for FoxP3 (relative expression: 1.4) and CD40 (1.27) and lower expression of CTLA-4 (0.61) were found in the GO tissues versus controls. In severe GO as compared to mild GO higher mRNA expression for FoxP3 (1.35) and CD40 (1.4) and lower expression for CTLA-4 (0.78), CD28 (0.62), and CD40L (0.56) were found. A positive correlation was found between FOXP3 mRNA and CD3 infiltration (R = 0.796, P = 0.0000001). Conclusions. The enhanced FOXP3 mRNA expression in GO samples may suggest the dysfunction of FOXP3 cells in the severe GO. The diminished mRNA expression of CTLA-4 in severe GO may indicate inadequate T regulatory function. The enhanced mRNA expression of CD40 in severe GO and negative correlation to CRP mRNA may suggest their role in the active and inactive GO.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • B7 Antigens / genetics*
  • CD28 Antigens / genetics*
  • CD3 Complex / metabolism
  • CD40 Antigens / genetics*
  • CD40 Ligand / genetics*
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / genetics*
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Graves Ophthalmopathy / genetics*
  • Graves Ophthalmopathy / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • B7 Antigens
  • CD28 Antigens
  • CD3 Complex
  • CD40 Antigens
  • CTLA-4 Antigen
  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • CD40 Ligand