Calcium signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus T cells: a treatment target.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) T cells display a hyperactive calcineurin/NF-AT pathway. The aim of this study was to determine whether this pathway is responsible for the aberrant SLE T cell function and to test the effectiveness of the recently recognized calcineurin inhibitor dipyridamole in limiting SLE-related pathology.

Methods

T cells and mononuclear cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of SLE patients and healthy individuals. Murine cells were isolated from the spleens and lymph nodes of lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice and control MRL/MpJ mice. Cells were treated in vitro with tacrolimus, dipyridamole, or control. MRL/lpr mice were injected intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg of dipyridamole 3 times a week for 3 weeks.

Results

MRL/lpr T cells, espec

SUBMITTER: Kyttaris VC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3128171 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature