Expression Of CD40LG In CD4~+T,CD8~+T Cells From Patients With Scleroderma

Objective:To investigate the expression levels of CD40LG in CD4+ T cells and CD8+T cells from scleroderma patients.Methods:(1) PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) cells were isolated from the peripheral venous blood of scleroderma patients and healthy donors by density gradient centrifugation. CD4+ T cells and CD8+T cells were isolated using micro beads and protocols provided by the manufacturer.(2) Genomic DNA and total RNA were isolated with DNA/RNA kits.(3) mRNA levels of CD40LG were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).(4) Using the flowcytometry to detect the expression levels of CD40LG and Perforin in CD4+ T cells and CD8+T cells.Results:(1) CD40LG mRNA levels were significantly higher in CD4+ T cells and CD8+T cells from systemic scleroderma and localized scleroderma patients compared to controls(CD4+ T:p=0.045, p=0.024, respectively; CD8+ T:p=0.003, p=0.043, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found between systemic scleroderma and localized scleroderma patients (CD4+ T:p=0.75; CD8+ T:p=0.13).(2) CD40LG levels were significantly higher in CD4+ T cells and CD8+T cells from systemic scleroderma and localized scleroderma patients compared to controls (CD4+ T:p=0.000, p=0.000, respectively; CD8+ T:p=0.001, p=0.000, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found between systemic scleroderma and localized scleroderma patients (CD4+ T:p=0.43; CD8+ T:p=0.24).Conclusion:These data suggests that CD40LG levels were significantly higher in CD4+ T cells and CD8+T cells from localized scleroderma and systemic scleroderma patients. CD40LG may play an important role in the pathogenesis of scleroderma.