Tc1/Tc2 ratio in the inflammatory process in patients with Behçet's disease.

BACKGROUND Peripheral blood CD8+ T cells expressing interferon gamma and interleukin-4 (IL-4), and lacking CD28 molecules, were responsible for the dynamic interplay between peripheral blood and inflammatory sites. INTRODUCTION The aim of the current study was to define in Behçet's disease (BD), CD8+ T-cell subsets using CD28 and CD11b monoclonal antibodies, and the characterization of the Tc1/Tc2 ratio and perforin expression. METHODS Flow cytometry was used for intracytoplasmic cytokines and perforin expression. Effector cells were investigated by adhesion of CD8+ T cells to human microvascular endothelial cells and by chemotaxis using beta-chemokine. RESULTS Interferon-gamma-producing CD8+ T cells in active and remission BD patients were increased, which induce a significant increase of the Tc1:Tc2 ratio in BD. CD8(+)CD28(-)CD11b+ T cells were found to be more expanded in BD patients than in age-matched healthy controls. The expression of CD11b molecules in active BD allowed to CD8(+)CD28+/CD8(+)CD28- subsets to adhere to human microvascular endothelial cells, with more efficiency in BD. Using MIP-1alpha, we observed that the migratory process of CD28(-)CD11b(+) is more important in BD. CD28(-)CD11b+ exhibited an increased perforin expression in BD patients. CONCLUSION Taken together these results suggest the presence of immune activation, probably in response to a profound inflammation affecting BD patients. The physiopathological significance of these results were toward autoimmune diseases and/or infectious process.