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Macrophages express granzyme B in the lesion areas of atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis

Won-Jung Kim1, Ho Kim, Kyoungho Suk

  • 1Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-201, Republic of Korea.

Immunology Letters
|July 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Granzyme B, a key immune response enzyme, is found in macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques and rheumatoid arthritis lesions. Its expression in these inflammatory conditions suggests a role in disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Granzyme B is primarily known for its role in cytotoxic immune responses.
  • Emerging research highlights granzyme B's involvement in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling.
  • The expression and function of granzyme B in inflammatory diseases require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression pattern of granzyme B in human atherosclerotic plaques and arthritic joint tissues.
  • To determine if granzyme B is expressed by macrophages in these pathological conditions.
  • To explore the induction of granzyme B expression in macrophages.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used on human atherosclerotic plaques and synovial tissues from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients.
  • Human macrophage cell line (THP-1) was utilized to study granzyme B induction.
  • Analysis focused on identifying granzyme B-positive cells and their localization.

Main Results:

  • Granzyme B was detected in macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques, particularly near necrotic cores and shoulder regions.
  • Strong granzyme B expression was observed in macrophages in the lining and perivascular areas of rheumatoid arthritis synovium.
  • No granzyme B-positive cells were found in osteoarthritic synovium.
  • ECM proteins and differentiation agents induced granzyme B expression in THP-1 cells.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophages express granzyme B in human inflammatory diseases like atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Granzyme B may contribute to macrophage functions relevant to disease progression in these conditions.
  • The findings expand the known cellular sources and potential roles of granzyme B in pathology.

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