Characterization of immune cell infiltrates in the lesions of multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Event Abstract Back to Event Characterization of immune cell infiltrates in the lesions of multiple sclerosis patients Stephanie E. Zandee1*, Melanie D. Leech1, Anna Williams2 and Stephen M. Anderton1 1 The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, United Kingdom 2 The University of Edinburgh, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, United Kingdom It is generally believed that the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by autoreactive pathogenic T cells accessing the central nervous system (CNS). Pathogenic T cells are re-activated by exposure to autoantigen presented by CNS-resident antigen presenting cells (APC). Following reactivation, the pathogenic T cells activate macrophages and microglia (CNS resident macrophages). Subsequently, inflammatory lesions develop, leading to impairment in nerve function. It is thought that Foxp3+ Regulatory T cells (Treg) play an important role in the control of autoimmune disease. Studies investigating the role of Treg in MS have demonstrated that although the frequency of Treg isolated from the peripheral blood of MS patients is not altered, their function appears to be impaired. Despite these findings, our studies in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) have shown that the function of Treg in controlling CNS inflammation is most important within the CNS itself. This suggests a potential role for Treg within the human inflamed CNS. Currently, the presence and location of Treg within the CNS of MS patients is a matter of debate. Using immunohistochemistry we have been able to detect and quantify the number of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg within different types of MS lesions. Furthermore, the presence of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and CD11b+ APC were also documented. In order to measure the functionality of CNS Treg, In situ hybridization was used to detect the presence of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in close proximity to Treg. Subsequently immunofluorescence was applied to confirm cytokine production on a protein level. Acknowledgements This work was funded by the Chief Scientist Office and the Dutch MS Research Foundation. Keywords: regulatory T cells, Multiple Sclerosis, Treg function, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells Conference: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI), Milan, Italy, 22 Aug - 27 Aug, 2013. Presentation Type: Abstract Topic: Immune-mediated disease pathogenesis Citation: Zandee SE, Leech MD, Williams A and Anderton SM (2013). Characterization of immune cell infiltrates in the lesions of multiple sclerosis patients. Front. Immunol. Conference Abstract: 15th International Congress of Immunology (ICI). doi: 10.3389/conf.fimmu.2013.02.00700 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 12 Jun 2013; Published Online: 22 Aug 2013. * Correspondence: Miss. Stephanie E Zandee, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom, szandee@staffmail.ed.ac.uk Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Stephanie E Zandee Melanie D Leech Anna Williams Stephen M Anderton Google Stephanie E Zandee Melanie D Leech Anna Williams Stephen M Anderton Google Scholar Stephanie E Zandee Melanie D Leech Anna Williams Stephen M Anderton PubMed Stephanie E Zandee Melanie D Leech Anna Williams Stephen M Anderton Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.