Abstract
In paraneoplastic neurological syndromes associated with Hu-antibodies (Hu-PNS) an important role for cellular immunity is hypothesized. We characterized the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis in Hu-PNS patients by assessing the major lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry. The B cell subset in the CSF of Hu-PNS patients showed a significant absolute (similar to 20x) and relative (similar to 3x) expansion, while the numbers of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and NK cells only showed an absolute expansion (similar to 4-7x) compared to the controls. On the other hand, the NKT cell subset showed a significant relative reduction in CSF and in blood of Hu-PNS patients. The relative B cell expansion is consistent with the intrathecal synthesis of Hu-antibodies, while the increased number of T and NK cells supports an additional role for cellular immunity in the pathogenesis of Hu-PNS. In addition, the autoimmune hypothesis of Hu-PNS is supported by the relative NKT cell deficiency. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Original language | Undefined/Unknown |
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Pages (from-to) | 164-170 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Neuroimmunology |
Volume | 195 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Research programs
- EMC MM-03-44-06
- EMC MM-03-86-12