Epigenetics in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) is a chronic and systemic autoimmune epithelitis with predominant female incidence, which is characterized by exocrine gland dysfunction. Incompletely understood, the etiology of SjS is multi-factorial and evidence is growing to consider that epigenetic factors are playing a crucial role in its development. Independent from DNA sequence mutations, epigenetics is described as inheritable and reversible processes that modify gene expression.

High efficiency of a new immunological magnetic cell sorting method for T cell depletion of human bone marrow.

Fresh human bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells containing a mean of 11% T cells underwent T cell depletion utilizing a newly developed magnetic cell sorter. In order to remove T cells, 10(8) cells were labeled with either a specific CD3 monoclonal antibody or a cocktail of monoclonal CD2 + CD5 + CD7 antibodies and biotin-conjugated magnetic microparticles (size 100-150 nm) employing a streptavidin-FITC complex. Labeled cells were removed by using columns filled with a ferromagnetic matrix and placed within a recess in a strong permanent magnet.