[Activation markers of lymphocytes as indicators of immune system dysregulation in inflammation]

Three groups of activation antigens (receptors) of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (CD23, CD54--functional activation antigens, CD25 and CD71--early activation antigens and HLA-DR and CD95--late activation antigens) were studied in patients with inflammatory diseases of different types. All kinds of inflammation are independent of etiological factors and are associated with immune system activation. Inflammation induced by tissue injury or invasion of nonspecific microorganisms leads to a rapid rise in the count of lymphocytes expressing early markers of activation. Inhibition of inflammation occurs with a significant rise in peripheral blood lymphocytes with receptor of activation apoptosis CD95 (Fas-antigen). High number of lymphocytes with early markers of activation in line with high number of blood CD95+ lymphocytes take place in allergic and autoimmune diseases for a long time. Abnormal regulation of activation processes in lymphocytes in allergic and autoimmune diseases consists in the absence of lymphocyte activation inhibition in spite of high expression of CD95.