T Cell Dysregulation in Non-silicotic Silica Exposed Workers: A Step Toward Immune Tolerance Breakdown.

ABSTRACT: Background: Chronic silica exposure can lead to silicosis, complicated or not by autoimmune diseases (AID). The pathophysiology of silica-induced AID remains not fully understood, especially immune mechanisms that may develop in patients without yet established silicosis. We conducted a prospective clinical study to analyze the impact of crystalline silica (CS) on T cell phenotype and regulatory T cells (Tregs) frequency, as well as on auto-antibodies development in non-silicotic workers exposed to CS. Methods: Workers with moderate to high exposure level to CS and aged between 30 and 60 years-old were considered for inclusion. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Auto-antibodies were screened in serum by immunofluorescence. Blood from 42 and 45 healthy subje

SUBMITTER: Brilland B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6883424 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature