CD27 expression on lymphocyte and sCD27 levels in children with asthma.

BACKGROUND CD27, a lymphocyte specific member of the Tumour Necrosis Factor- Receptor (TNF-R) family is expressed on the majority of peripheral blood T cells. Activation of T cells via TCR/CD3 induces high CD27 surface expression and release of a soluble form (sCD27) of the molecule. sCD27 level increases in patients suffering from a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases. In the present study we aimed to measure both the serum sCD27 levels and CD27 expression on T cells in asthmatic patients, to evaluate the state of this molecule in allergic inflammation. METHODS Forty-three patients with asthma were included in to the study. CD27 molecule expression and soluble form of this molecule were analysed in atopic asthmatic (n:17) and non-atopic asthmatic (n:13) patients receiving inhaled corticosteroid treatment, in asthmatic patients whose treatment ceased at least for 6 months (n:13) and healthy control subjects (n:14). RESULTS There were no differences in the expression of CD27 molecule on peripheral blood lymphocyte nor in its soluble form sCD27 levels in sera between the atopic asthmatic and non-atopic asthmatic patients receiving ICS treatment, treatment free asthmatic patients and healthy control subjects. CONCLUSIONS Neither the soluble form of CD27 nor its expression on T cells seem to be a reliable marker of atopic or non-atopic asthmatic inflammation.