Contributions
Abstract: EP1476
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - Immunology
Background: Alterations in the frequency or function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which play a critical role in the maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance, are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), of which the etiology and mechanisms underlying its development are not completely understood. Although there is increasing evidence for the involvement of effector T cells in NMO, no data are available regarding the role of Tregs in its pathogenesis.
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of regulatory T cell genes in NMO.
Results: A distinctive Treg gene signature in the peripheral blood of NMO patients is described, as well as significantly decreased Foxp3 mRNA expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the patients vs that in the healthy controls (HCs) (NMO,1.8RQ vs HC, 6.8RQ, p=0.01).
Conclusions: The present study shows downregulation of key transcription factor Foxp3, one of the Treg genes that are abnormally expressed in NMO. Exploration of their function and interconnections in the peripheral immune system should advance our understanding of NMO pathogenesis.
Disclosure: Livnat Brill: nothing to disclose
Iris Lavon: nothing to disclose
Adi Vaknin Dembinsky: nothing to disclose
Abstract: EP1476
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - Immunology
Background: Alterations in the frequency or function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which play a critical role in the maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance, are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), of which the etiology and mechanisms underlying its development are not completely understood. Although there is increasing evidence for the involvement of effector T cells in NMO, no data are available regarding the role of Tregs in its pathogenesis.
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of regulatory T cell genes in NMO.
Results: A distinctive Treg gene signature in the peripheral blood of NMO patients is described, as well as significantly decreased Foxp3 mRNA expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the patients vs that in the healthy controls (HCs) (NMO,1.8RQ vs HC, 6.8RQ, p=0.01).
Conclusions: The present study shows downregulation of key transcription factor Foxp3, one of the Treg genes that are abnormally expressed in NMO. Exploration of their function and interconnections in the peripheral immune system should advance our understanding of NMO pathogenesis.
Disclosure: Livnat Brill: nothing to disclose
Iris Lavon: nothing to disclose
Adi Vaknin Dembinsky: nothing to disclose