Influence of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy (Adalimumab) on regulatory T cells and dendritic cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Dombrecht, E.J.; Aerts, N.E.; Schuerwegh, A.J.; Hagendorens, M.M.; Ebo, D.G.; Van Offel, J.F.; Bridts, C.H.; Stevens, W.J.; De Clerck, L.S.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 24(1): 31-37
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-856X PMID: 16539816 Document Number: 596812
To investigate whether anti-TNF therapy could have an effect on dendritic cells (DCs) and regulatory T cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A four-colour flow cytometric technique was used to measure CD4+CD25+ T cells i.e. CD4+CD25high+ (regulatory T cells) and CD4+CD25low+ (activated T cells)), DCs as well as the in vitro, intracellular, lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cytokine production of DCs. Clinical and laboratory parameters of disease activity decreased after anti-TNF treatment. Before anti-TNF therapy, RA patients demonstrated a decreased count of Th2-promoting lymphoid DCs as compared to controls and after anti-TNF therapy this decrease was sustained. Intracellular cytokine production was only found in the myeloid DCs population and there was a higher production of TNF-alpha and IL1-b as compared to healthy controls. Treatment did not alter this cytokine production. Before anti-TNF therapy, the percentage CD4+CD25+ T cells was significantly elevated in RA patients than in healthy controls. These results demonstrate anti-TNF to be a potent anti-inflammatory drug, as mirrored by the decrease in clinical and biological parameters as well as the decrease in activated CD4+ T cells. However, in this study no demonstrable effect on DCs and regulatory T cells was found.