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Cellular immunity analysis using monoclonal antibodies in human glomerulonephritis
P Arrizabalaga1, E Mirapeix, A Darnell
1Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital Clínico y Provincial, Universidad de Barcelona, Spain.
Nephron
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Mononuclear cells, including T cells and macrophages, infiltrate glomeruli in human glomerulonephritis (GN). These immune cells, not intrinsic renal cells, are linked to GN severity and suggest a role for both humoral and cellular immunity in disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens are expressed on renal endothelium.
- T cells and monocytes-macrophages (Mo-Ma) are immune cells implicated in kidney disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of immune cells, specifically T cells and Mo-Ma, and MHC class II expression in renal biopsies from patients with glomerulonephritis (GN).
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies against MHC class II, T cell subsets (T4, T8), and von Willebrand factor.
- Nonspecific esterase staining for Mo-Ma identification.
- Analysis of 64 renal biopsies (54 GN, 10 non-GN) and 14 normal kidneys.
Main Results:
- MHC class II antigens were universally expressed on renal microvasculature.
- Intraglomerular T cells and Mo-Ma were exclusively found in GN.
- Mo-Ma presence correlated with endo-/extracapillary proliferation, C3, and fibrinogen deposition.
- Interstitial MHC class II+ cells, T cells, and Mo-Ma were significantly elevated in proliferative GN.
- T cell infiltration in the interstitium correlated with MHC class II+ cells and Mo-Ma.
Conclusions:
- Both humoral and cellular immunity likely contribute to macrophage infiltration in human GN.
- Mononuclear cells, rather than intrinsic renal cells, are implicated in in situ cellular immune interactions within the glomeruli in GN.