Response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from lupus patients to stimulation by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides

Rheumatology (Oxford). 2003 Apr;42(4):563-9. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keg191.

Abstract

Objectives: Increased levels of hypomethylated CpG-containing DNA in sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may contribute to the initiation and/or perpetuation of the disease. This study characterizes the in vitro response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from SLE patients to CpG DNA.

Methods: Secretion of cytokines and IgM, cell proliferation and up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules were evaluated in PBMC from SLE patients (n=24) and normal controls (n=24) after stimulation with synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing CpG motifs.

Results: Up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules and the secretion of interferon-alpha and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in response to CpG ODN was significantly reduced in monocytes and dendritic cells from SLE patients. Secretion of interferon-gamma by natural killer (NK) cells was also reduced. In contrast, the IgM and IL-10 response of B cells to CpG ODN was normal.

Conclusion: Monocytes, dendritic cells and NK cells from SLE patients respond abnormally to CpG ODN stimulation, which may contribute to the cytokine imbalance observed in SLE.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cell Division / immunology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • CpG Islands / immunology*
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monocytes / immunology
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / immunology*
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • CPG-oligonucleotide
  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides