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S antigen specific effector T cell activation detected by cytokine flow cytometry
J P Morgan1, R A Robins, H S Dua
1The Larry Donoso Research Laboratory, Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Centre, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK. James.Morgan@nottingham.ac.uk
Background/Aims:
Effector T cell activation is particularly important in the initiation of autoimmune uveitis. This pilot study seeks to demonstrate activation of human peripheral effector T cells in response to the uveitis candidate autoantigen, retinal S antigen (SAg), using cytokine flow cytometry (CFC).
Methods:
Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) suspensions from uveitis patients and controls were stimulated with bovine SAg. Activation responses were detected by CFC.
Results:
Electronic gating enabled analysis of CD69+, IFN-gamma+ CD4+ lymphocytes. An SAg specific response was detectable in four of 13 patients and four of eight controls.
Conclusion:
SAg specific, peripheral, effector T cell activation can be detected by CFC. Similar levels of responsiveness were seen in patient and control groups. More detailed cytokine profiling may demonstrate functional differences between the groups.