Novel role for galectin-1 in T-cells under physiological and pathological conditions.

Secreted, extracellular galectin-1 (exGal-1) but not intracellular Gal-1 (inGal-1) has been described as a strong immunosuppressive protein due to its major activity of inducing apoptosis of activated T-cells. It has previously been reported that T-cells express Gal-1 upon activation, however its participation in T-cell functions has remained largely elusive. To determine function of Gal-1 expressed by activated T-cells we have carried out a series of experiments.

GM1 controlled lateral segregation of tyrosine kinase Lck predispose T-cells to cell-derived galectin-1-induced apoptosis.

One prominent immunoregulatory function of galectin-1 (Gal-1), a β-galactoside binding mammalian lectin, is induction of apoptosis in activated T-cells by a process depending on the activity of Src family tyrosine kinase, Lck. Although the requirement for Lck in Gal-1 induced T-cell death and the ability of Gal-1 to affect the membrane localization of extracellular Gal-1-binding proteins have been well documented, the consequence of the complex and related reorganization of extra- and intracellular signaling components upon Gal-1 treatment of T-cells has not yet been revealed. Therefore, we have analyzed the plasma membrane movement of Lck upon Gal-1 triggered signaling, and the significance of this event in Gal-1 induced T-cell death.

The impact of conventional DMARD and biological therapies on CD4+ cell subsets in rheumatoid arthritis: a follow-up study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by abnormal prevalence of Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory (Treg) subsets. Some data suggest that these subsets are influenced by anti-RA agents. Follow-up studies monitoring T cell phenotype in response to therapy are limited.

Neuroimmune interactions in Sjögren's syndrome: relationship of exocrine gland dysfunction with autoantibodies to muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-3 and mental health status parameters.

Objectives: Antimuscarinic acetylcholine receptor-3 (m3AChR) autoantibodies have been described in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). The aim of this study was to compare various methods for their detection and to assess the contributions of anti-m3AChR and other immunological and psychosocial factors to the pathomechanism of secondary SS (sSS).

Methods: Sixty-five rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, 103 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, 76 pSS patients and 50 controls were compared.

Plasma soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a biomarker of systemic inflammation. We aimed to characterize plasma suPAR levels in SLE patients.

Methods: We measured plasma suPAR, C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in 89 SLE patients and 29 healthy controls.

Adaptive immunity in ankylosing spondylitis: phenotype and functional alterations of T-cells before and during infliximab therapy.

Our aim was to assess the phenotype of T-cell subsets in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease. In addition, we also tested short-term T-cell activation characteristics. Measurements were done in 13 AS patients before and during the intravenous therapy with anti-TNF agent infliximab (IFX).