B lymphocyte maturation in Wegener's granulomatosis: a comparative analysis of VH genes from endonasal lesions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) directed against proteinase 3 (PR3) are highly specific for Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). Evidence for a pivotal role of PR3-ANCA in the induction of vasculitis has been demonstrated. B cell clusters have been observed within endonasal biopsy specimens.

Objectives

To determine whether B cell selection and maturation take place in granulomatous lesions of WG.

Methods

Granulomatous lesions and the immunoglobulin (VH) gene repertoire from nasal tissue of six WG patients-two active and two smouldering localised WG (ANCA negative, restricted to respiratory tract), plus one active and one smouldering PR3-ANCA positive generalised WG-were characterised by immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, cloning, DNA s

SUBMITTER: Voswinkel J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1798221 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature