Abstract
Purpose: :
In this study, we assessed CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T-cell populations in patients with HLA-B27 + acute anterior uveitis (AAU), the most common form of immune-mediated uveitis. Goal of the study was to determine if regulatory T-cell populations are associated with disease activity in AAU.
Methods: :
Blood samples were taken from 20 consecutive patients with AAU and from 20 age and gender matched controls. Patients with systemic treatment were not included. Subjects were evaluated for CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T-cells by flow cytometry using intracellular staining with PE anti-human Foxp3. Percentages of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) lymphocytes will be compared for patients with active vs inactive disease and to age and gender matched group of healthy controls. IRB approval has been obtained.
Results: :
Out of 20 patients with AAU, 16 were evaluated so far. Out of these 6 were female and 10 were male, age ranged between 21 and 64. Active status was compared to the control group. Ratio of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) cells was lower in patients with active uveitis compared with controls (2,9 % (range 1.7-5.2 %) vs 6.9 % (range 5.4-8.3 %), p= 0.0011).
Conclusions: :
Results show that regulatory T-cells are significantly decreased in patients with active AAU compared to healthy controls. In the next four months we expect to have results for active disease and follow up at inactive disease stage of all 20 patients.
Keywords: inflammation • uveitis-clinical/animal model • uvea