Related Experiment Videos
Circulating leukocyte integrin expression in Wegener's granulomatosis
H Haller1, J Eichhorn, K Pieper
1Franz Volhard Clinic, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Leukocyte integrin expression, particularly Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18), is elevated in active Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). This suggests integrins play a role in WG pathogenesis and may offer treatment targets.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Leukocyte adhesion and infiltration are key in Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) pathogenesis.
- Integrins are cell surface receptors crucial for leukocyte adhesion and migration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if integrin expression (VLA-4, LFA-1, Mac-1, gp150,95) is increased on leukocytes in active WG patients.
- To assess the impact of immunosuppressive therapy on integrin expression in WG.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry were used to measure integrin expression on leukocytes (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes).
- Compared patients with active WG, WG in remission, healthy controls, and patients with other inflammatory diseases.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased expression of beta 1 (CD29) and beta 2 (CD18) integrin subunits on leukocytes in active WG compared to controls.
- Increased alpha-integrin subunits CD11b and CD11a were observed on specific leukocyte subsets in active WG.
- Immunosuppressive therapy correlated with decreased beta 1 and beta 2 integrin subunit expression.
Conclusions:
- Integrin adhesion molecules, especially Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18), are upregulated on leukocytes during active WG.
- These findings highlight a potential role for integrin upregulation in WG pathogenesis.
- Integrin expression may serve as a therapeutic target for Wegener's granulomatosis.