Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA·2020
In prediabetic and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients, increased HLA-DR antigen density on T-lymphocytes correlated with islet cell autoantibodies and impaired insulin release. These findings suggest T-lymphocyte activation in early diabetes.
Area of Science:
Immunology
Endocrinology
Diabetes Research
Background:
Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
Islet cell autoantibodies (ICA) are markers of the prediabetic phase, indicating autoimmune activity against the islets.
Understanding lymphocyte behavior in early diabetes is crucial for developing preventative or therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
To investigate lymphocyte abnormalities and activation markers in individuals with varying stages of IDDM development.
To assess the expression and density of HLA-DR antigens on T-lymphocyte subsets in relation to autoantibodies and glucose metabolism.
Main Methods:
Dual fluorescence flow cytometry was used to analyze peripheral blood lymphocytes from 65 individuals.
Participants included prediabetic patients (ICA+), newly diagnosed IDDM patients, ICA-negative relatives, and ICA-negative controls.
Analysis focused on B cells, T-lymphocyte subsets (Th, Tc/s), interleukin 2 receptor expression, and HLA-DR antigen expression and density.
Main Results:
No significant differences in B cell, T-lymphocyte subset percentages, or interleukin 2 receptor expression were observed among groups.
Increased numbers of HLA-DR expressing T-lymphocytes were found in a subset of patients.
Significantly increased relative density of DR antigen (RAD-DR) on both helper T-lymphocytes (Th) and cytotoxic/suppressor T-lymphocytes (Tc/s) was observed in 13 of 38 patients.
RAD-DR on Tc/s correlated with ICA titer and was highest in DR3/4-phenotyped T-lymphocytes.
Increased RAD-DR was also found in patients with impaired insulin release responses.
Conclusions:
While lymphocyte subset percentages and IL-2 receptor expression were not altered, increased HLA-DR antigen density on T-lymphocytes is a key finding in prediabetic and early IDDM stages.
This increased antigen density correlates with the presence of islet cell autoantibodies and impaired insulin secretion, suggesting T-lymphocyte activation.
These findings highlight the role of T-lymphocyte activation in the pathogenesis of IDDM and may serve as potential biomarkers.