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Immunological studies in tropical spastic paraparesis
S Jacobson1, A Gupta, D Mattson
1Neuroimmunology Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Annals of Neurology
|February 1, 1990
Summary
This study found activated T lymphocytes in tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) patients, indicating cellular immune dysfunction. These findings strengthen the link between TSP and human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Neurology
Background:
- Tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) is a chronic myelopathy linked to human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I).
- Cellular immune function in TSP remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cellular immune responses in patients with tropical spastic paraparesis.
- To explore the relationship between immune abnormalities and HTLV-I infection in TSP.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of peripheral blood T lymphocytes for activation markers (CD3+, HLA-DR, interleukin-2-receptor).
- Assessment of spontaneous lymphoproliferative response.
- Evaluation of virus-specific cytotoxic T-cell generation (measles, influenza, mumps).
Main Results:
- Increased numbers of activated T lymphocytes (CD3+, HLA-DR+, IL-2R+) were observed in TSP patients.
- All tested patients showed an elevated spontaneous lymphoproliferative response.
- Reduced cytotoxic T-cell responses to measles, influenza, and mumps viruses were noted in some patients.
Conclusions:
- The cellular immune abnormalities in TSP are associated with HTLV-I infection.
- Findings support the strong link between TSP and HTLV-I or similar retroviruses.
- Immune dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of TSP.