Abstract
In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients airway mucosa is infiltrated by macrophages and T lymphocytes, potentially reactive to pathogens. We studied the antigen-specificity and the effector functions of in vivo activated T lymphocytes isolated from BAL (Bronchoalveolar lavage) of 5 Moraxella catarrhalis (Mc)-infected and 5 Mc-non-infected COPD patients. Mc-specific T cells were detected only in BAL or peripheral blood of Moraxella catarrhalis-infected patients. The majority of BAL Mc-specific T cells expressed the T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokine profile with high cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic activity. Upon antigen stimulation, all Mc-specific T clones were able to help the immunoglobulin production by autologous B cells and the MMP (Matrix MetalloProteinase)-12 activity by monocytes. Our results suggest a role for Th1-driven response to Moraxella catarrhalis in the genesis of COPD.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Aged
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Antigens, Bacterial / immunology
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Apoptosis
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / cytology
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Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / immunology
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Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / microbiology
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Cells, Cultured
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Coculture Techniques
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Cytokines / metabolism
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Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
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Female
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Humans
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Immunoglobulin A / biosynthesis
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Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
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Immunophenotyping
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Lymphocyte Activation*
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Male
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Matrix Metalloproteinase 12 / metabolism
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Middle Aged
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Monocytes / enzymology
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Monocytes / immunology
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Moraxella catarrhalis / immunology*
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Moraxella catarrhalis / isolation & purification
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Moraxellaceae Infections / immunology*
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Moraxellaceae Infections / microbiology
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Moraxellaceae Infections / pathology
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Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / immunology*
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Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / microbiology
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Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / pathology
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Th1 Cells / immunology*
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Th1 Cells / microbiology
Substances
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Antigens, Bacterial
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Cytokines
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Immunoglobulin A
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Immunoglobulin G
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MMP12 protein, human
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Matrix Metalloproteinase 12