Characterization of follicular-helper T cells in peripheral blood of patients with SLE and Behcet's disease

• Grant number: 11/02119-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: June 03, 2011
• End date: June 17, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Eloisa Silva Dutra de Oliveira Bonfá
• Grantee: Eloisa Silva Dutra de Oliveira Bonfá
• Visiting researcher: Jinyoung Choi
• Visiting researcher institution: Yale School of Medicine (YSM), United States
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The formation of follicular T-cells (FT) in humans and its role in the production of autoimmunity are still poorly studied. At Yale University, was demonstrated in murine models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that signaling via ICOS is required for the development of this subtype of T cells (FT) as well as for the complete penetrance of the phenotype of lupus, a finding later confirmed by other groups. Blockade of ICOS, currently targeted for the treatment of experimental lupus, increases the necessity of better understanding the function of these cells in the pathogenesis of lupus and as a potential target for new therapies. Objectives: 1) characterize follicular T cells in peripheral blood of patients with SLE and Behcet's disease compared with healthy controls. To correlate the expression of these cell surface molecules with disease activity and treatment response. 2) To establish scientific cooperation between the Divisions of Rheumatology of the University of São Paulo and Yale and also the Division of Immunology, FMUSP. Methods: Will be evaluated 100 patients with SLE, 50 with Behçet, and 30 normal controls by clinical evaluation and collecting 15 mL of peripheral blood for the characterization of populations of lymphocytes by flow cytometry. We clarify that the study involves only patients in Brazil, and that there will not be sending any kind of biological material abroad. Two researchers from Yale University will come to Brazil to perform the cytometry procedures. The marking of the cells are made using different monoclonal antibodies, which will be donated by the group from Yale University to FMUSP, and they will arrive to Brazil through the official process of importation under donation. Will use the flow cytometer (FACSFortessa of 13 colors) of LIM-60 (Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy), with the cooperation and consent of Professor Esper G. Kallas (responsible leader of the research group of LIM-60) and Professor Jorge Kalil (Professor Titular this Division). The study has no sponsor. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CHOI, JIN-YOUNG; HO, JOHN HSI-EN; PASOTO, SANDRA G.; BUNIN, VIVIANE; KIM, SANG TAEK; CARRASCO, SOLANGE; BORBA, EDUARDO F.; GONCALVES, CELIO R.; COSTA, PRISCILA R.; KALLAS, ESPER G.; et al. Circulating Follicular Helper-Like T Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY, v. 67, n. 4, p. 988-999, APR 2015. (11/02119-0)