Osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes stimulate autologous T cell responses in vitro
Sakata, M.; Masuko-Hongo, K.; Nakamura, H.; Onuma, H.; Tsuruha, J.I.; Aoki, H.; Nishioka, K.; Kato, T.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 21(6): 704-710
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-856X PMID: 14740448 Document Number: 558339
To clarify the presence of specific T cell immune response to autologous chondrocytes in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from OA or post-traumatic patients were co-cultured with irradiated autologous chondrocytes, and their proliferative response was assessed using 3H-thymidine incorporation. Expression of HLA-class II molecules was also assessed on chondrocytes by immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry. T cell responses to autologous chondrocytes in OA yielded a significantly greater mean stimulation index (6.35 +/- 1.63) compared to controls (1.21 +/- 0.09, p < 0.01). This response was partially blocked by antibodies against HLA class I, class II, CD4 or CD8. Increased expression of HLA-DP, -DQ, and -DR was observed. This study showed the autologous T cell-stimulating property of OA chondrocytes in vitro. The elucidation of the autoimmune responses may contribute to the understanding of immune-mediated mechanisms in OA.