Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Spheroid Assay to Measure TGF-β-induced Invasion
Published on: November 16, 2011
Reduced surface expression of transforming growth factor beta receptor type II in mitogen-activated T cells from
R J Capocasale1, R J Lamb, E C Vonderheid
1Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Abstract:
Sézary syndrome (SzS), the leukemic form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, is characterized by clonal proliferation of CD4+ T cells and immune dysfunctions, raising the possibility of cytokine-related abnormalities. We previously described a decreased response to the growth-inhibitory effects of transforming growth factor type beta (TGF-beta) in SzS T cells accompanied by apparent loss of surface type II TGF-beta receptor (TGF beta RII). To specifically determine if defects exist in TGF beta RII protein expression and/or transport in SzS patients, we developed a sensitive flow cytometric method to detect TGF beta RII on the surface and intracellularly in the CD4+ T cells. Our results indicate that unlike normal CD4+ T cells, CD4+ T cells from 9 of 12 SzS patients expressed little, if any, surface TGF beta RII in response to mitogen stimulation. At the intracellular level, however, pools of TGF beta RII were comparable to those in normal CD4+ T cells. This indicates that defective trafficking of this inhibitory cytokine receptor may contribute significantly to the development of this disease.
Insights
Sézary syndrome (SzS) T cells show reduced surface TGF-beta receptor II (TGF beta RII) expression. This defect in receptor transport, not production, may drive SzS development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Sézary syndrome (SzS) is a leukemic form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
- SzS involves abnormal CD4+ T-cell proliferation and immune dysfunction.
- Previous studies indicated a reduced response to TGF-beta in SzS T cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate defects in transforming growth factor type beta receptor II (TGF beta RII) expression and transport in SzS.
- To quantify surface and intracellular TGF beta RII levels in SzS CD4+ T cells.
Main Methods:
- Developed a sensitive flow cytometry method.
- Detected TGF beta RII on the surface and intracellularly in CD4+ T cells.
- Compared SzS patient samples with normal CD4+ T cells.
Main Results:
- CD4+ T cells from 9 out of 12 SzS patients showed significantly reduced surface TGF beta RII expression after mitogen stimulation.
- Intracellular TGF beta RII levels were comparable between SzS patients and healthy controls.
- A defect in TGF beta RII trafficking was observed in SzS T cells.
Conclusions:
- Defective trafficking of TGF beta RII contributes to Sézary syndrome.
- Reduced surface expression of this inhibitory receptor may impair T-cell regulation in SzS.
- Targeting TGF beta RII transport could be a therapeutic strategy for SzS.
More Related Videos
09:08Isolating Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and CD4+ T cells from Sézary Syndrome Patients for Transcriptomic Profiling
Published on: October 14, 2021
06:54Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Abnormal Proliferation
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway