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Detection of MicroRNA Expression in the Kidneys of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathic Mice
Published on: July 8, 2020
T-cell homing receptor expression in IgA nephropathy
Arvind Batra1, Alice C Smith, John Feehally
1Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, and John Walls Renal Unit, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK.
Summary
In IgA nephropathy (IgAN), activated CD4 T cells show altered homing receptors, directing them to systemic sites. This suggests these cells may drive the increased polymeric IgA production characteristic of IgAN.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- IgA nephropathy (IgAN) involves polymeric IgA (pIgA) deposition in the kidneys.
- IgAN shows reduced mucosal and increased systemic pIgA production.
- Lymphocyte homing receptors (HR) guide cells to specific tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate T-cell subset HR expression in IgAN.
- Compare IgAN patients with healthy adults and membranous nephropathy (MN) patients.
- Identify potential mechanisms for aberrant pIgA production in IgAN.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed peripheral blood T cells (CD3, CD4, CD8) using flow cytometry.
- Assessed expression of L-selectin, integrin alpha4beta1, and integrin alpha4beta7.
- Evaluated HR expression patterns in IgAN, healthy adults, and MN patients.
Main Results:
- IgAN T cells exhibited reduced L-selectin and increased alpha4beta1 expression.
- No differences in alpha4beta7 expression were observed.
- Abnormalities were confined to the CD4 T-cell subset; CD8 T cells were normal.
- No HR expression abnormalities were found in MN patients.
Conclusions:
- Reduced L-selectin and increased alpha4beta1 on CD4 T cells indicate activation in IgAN.
- These activated CD4 T cells preferentially home to systemic sites.
- Hypothesize that these systemic-homing CD4 T cells contribute to aberrant systemic pIgA production in IgAN.
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