Evaluation of the TACI receptor expression in T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

• Grant number: 11/20391-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2011
• End date: June 30, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Eduardo Coelho Andrade
• Grantee: Vanessa Scorsolino
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The immune system is composed of many cells and molecules capable of recognizing and eliminating foreign elements to maintaining homeostasis. These mechanisms work together to play an efficient broad protective function that's cell-mediated, soluble mediators and their receptors. Among these important receptors for regulation and proper function of the immune system we can cite TACI. TACI receptor was described such as an important receptor for homeostasis of B lymphocytes (BL). However, recent studies have demonstrated a high expression of TACI in murine TL subtypes and then in humans. Aspects such as TACI expression levels, mechanism of cell activity, differentiation and its importance in the physiology of TL are still largely unknown. Some studies have shown that changes in TACI expression and function on BL are associated with several autoimmune diseases. However, no study has evaluated the TACI receptor expression in LT and LB of SLE patients in its various clinical forms (inactive, active manifestation with renal and non-renal form). The evaluation of the TACI receptor expression in LT and LB of SLE patients will provide important information for better understanding the disease pathophysiological mechanisms and development of new therapeutic strategies.