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Selective lymphocyte chemokine receptor expression in the rheumatoid joint
J H Ruth1, J B Rottman, K J Katschke
1Northwestern University Medical School, Department of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Chemokine receptors CCR4, CCR5, CXCR3, and CX3CR1 are significantly elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, indicating their critical role in lymphocyte trafficking to inflamed joints. These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets for RA treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chemokines and their receptors mediate lymphocyte trafficking into inflamed joints in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Understanding chemokine receptor expression is crucial for elucidating RA pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the expression of chemokine receptors (CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CXCR3, CX3CR1) on lymphocytes.
- To compare receptor expression in normal peripheral blood (PB), RA PB, and RA synovial fluid (SF).
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and 2-color immunofluorescence were used.
- Expression was analyzed on CD3+ T lymphocytes in RA synovial tissue (ST), RA SF, RA PB, and NL PB.
Main Results:
- CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, and CX3CR1 expression was elevated on CD3+ lymphocytes in RA PB versus NL PB.
- CCR5 was significantly enhanced in RA SF compared to NL and RA PB.
- CCR4 and CXCR3 showed particular importance for CD3+ lymphocyte trafficking to the inflamed RA joint.
- Memory lymphocytes showed higher expression of CCR4, CCR5, and CXCR3, suggesting up-regulation upon activation.
Conclusions:
- CCR4, CCR5, CXCR3, and CX3CR1 are identified as critical chemokine receptors in rheumatoid arthritis.
- These receptors play a significant role in lymphocyte homing to the RA joint.
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