HLA-DP restricted Chlamydia trachomatis specific synovial fluid T cell clones in Chlamydia induced Reiter's disease

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Reiter's disease, a form of reactive arthritis, is often triggered by Chlamydia trachomatis infections.
• Understanding the immune response in the joint is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Observation:

• Synovial fluid mononuclear cells were isolated from a patient with acute Reiter's disease.
• A limiting dilution protocol was used to generate T lymphocyte clones.
• Phytohemagglutinin was employed in the cloning medium.

Findings:

• Seven out of 76 alpha beta-TCR+ CD4+ T lymphocyte clones specifically recognized Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Antigen recognition by these clones was restricted by HLA-DP.
• Two HLA-DR restricted clones responded to Yersinia enterocolitica O3, despite no history of infection.

Implications:

• The high frequency of Chlamydia-specific T cells suggests an oligoclonal immune response.
• Limited HLA class II restriction points to a focused T cell response in the joint.
• This may indicate persistent intraarticular Chlamydia driving the synovial T cell response.