Deficient and dysfunctional regulatory T cells in the lungs of chronic beryllium disease subjects.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is a CD4(+) T cell-mediated disorder characterized by persistent lung inflammation. Naturally occurring regulatory T (T(reg)) cells modulate adaptive immune responses. The role of this T-cell subset in beryllium-induced lung disease is unknown.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether dysfunctional T(reg) cells in the lung contribute to the "unchecked" inflammatory response that characterizes CBD.

Methods

Using blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells from normal control subjects and individuals with beryllium-induced disease, we determined the frequency and function of naturally occurring T(reg) cells.

Measurements and main results

A significantly decreased percentage and expression of FoxP3 in BAL

SUBMITTER: Mack DG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2891494 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature