The role of B-lymphocytes in inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma

Abstract

An important role in airway inflammation in cases of bronchial asthma (BA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is played by immune responses. Methods. In order to identify the signs of impaired functioning of the immune system in patients with COPD (n = 39) and BA (n = 37), the number and activity of lymphocytes expressing CD20, CD23, CD25, CD71, CD72, HLA-DR antigens were studied in blood serum; their role in inflammation during the period of exacerbation and a stable course of diseases was evaluated. Results. Examined patients, being in both stages of the disease, revealed a significant increase in the number of B-lymphocytes of all stages of differentiation. Insufficient apoptosis was also noted, which indicates the activation of the B-cell component of the immune system. Conclusion . According to the study results, it was found that the increased activity of B-cells, on the one hand, protects the body from colonization by microorganisms and infection (in COPD), by blocking the formation of immunoglobulin E (in BA), on the other hand, the autoantibodies, which they produce, can damage their own tissue, and insufficient apoptosis process may lead to maintenance of the inflammation process.