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Immune abnormalities associated with HLA-B8: lymphocyte subsets and functional correlates.
Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology
|April 1, 1986
Summary
Individuals with the HLA-B8 antigen have altered immune cell profiles, including more B lymphocytes and a higher T4/T8 ratio. These changes in lymphocyte subsets and function may contribute to autoimmune disease predisposition.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system plays a crucial role in immune regulation.
- Specific HLA alleles, such as HLA-B8, are associated with an increased risk of various autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in mononuclear cell populations and functions between healthy individuals with and without the HLA-B8 antigen.
- To explore potential immunological mechanisms underlying the HLA-B8 associated predisposition to autoimmunity.
Main Methods:
- Enumeration of mononuclear cell subsets (B lymphocytes, T4+ cells, T8+ cells) in healthy adults.
- Comparison of lymphocyte subset percentages and absolute counts based on HLA-B8 status.
- Assessment of B-lymphocyte function (pokeweed mitogen-driven differentiation) and T-cell suppression (Concanavalin A-induced).
Main Results:
- Subjects with HLA-B8 exhibited lower overall mononuclear cell counts.
- Increased percentages of B lymphocytes bearing IgM and a higher T4/T8 ratio (due to increased OKT4+ and decreased OKT8+ cells) were observed in HLA-B8 positive individuals.
- Enhanced pokeweed mitogen-driven B-cell differentiation and decreased Concanavalin A-induced T-cell suppression were noted in subjects with HLA-B8.
Conclusions:
- The presence of the HLA-B8 antigen is associated with significant alterations in lymphocyte populations and functions.
- These immunological deviations may represent a contributing factor to the heightened susceptibility to autoimmune diseases observed in individuals with HLA-B8.