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Activated T lymphocytes support osteoclast formation in vitro
N J Horwood1, V Kartsogiannis, J M Quinn
1St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|November 5, 1999
Summary
Activated T lymphocytes can support osteoclast formation, a process crucial for bone remodeling. This finding may explain bone resorption seen in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Osteoblastic stromal cells support osteoclast formation via receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL).
- The role of activated T lymphocytes in osteoclastogenesis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the capacity of activated T lymphocytes to support osteoclast formation in vitro.
- To explore the expression of RANKL in T cells and its potential role in rheumatoid arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived T cells were co-cultured with murine spleen cells.
- Cells were stimulated with Concanavalin A (Con A) and cytokines.
- RANKL mRNA expression was analyzed using RT-PCR.
- RANKL expression was assessed in synovial tissue from rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Main Results:
- Activated T cells, in the presence of Con A, induced osteoclast formation in vitro.
- Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) enhanced osteoclast numbers.
- PBMC-derived lymphocytes showed increased RANKL mRNA expression upon stimulation.
- RANKL was detected in CD3(+) T cells within synovial infiltrates of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Conclusions:
- Activated T lymphocytes can directly support osteoclast formation.
- This T cell-mediated osteoclastogenesis may contribute to bone resorption in inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.