The effects of B-cell depletion with ritux-imab on regulatory T cells (Tregs) have not been determined. We investigated Tregs in patients receiving rituximab for chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The peripheral blood Tregs, identified as CD4+FOXP3+ T cells, were measured by flow cytometry prior to and after the immunotherapy. In addition, Tregs were analyzed for their usage of the T-cell receptor (TCR) p-variable (VB) region gene as well as their regulatory function as assessed by cell proliferation assays. Pretreatment data revealed a reduced number and a defective suppressive capacity of Tregs in ITP patients compared with control individuals. In addition, Tregs showed a polyclonal spectra-type. Patients, particularly responders, showed restored numbers of Tregs as well as a restored regulatory function upon treatment with rituximab. These results indicate that patients with active ITP have a defective T regulatory cell compartment that can be modulated by a B cell-targeted therapy. © 2008 by The American Society of Hematology.
CITATION STYLE
Stasi, R., Cooper, N., Poeta, G. D., Stipa, E., Evangelista, M. L., Abruzzese, E., & Amadori, S. (2008). Analysis of regulatory T-cell changes in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura receiving B cell depleting therapy with rituximab. Blood, 112(4), 1147–1150. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2007-12-129262
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