Circulating CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for HTLV-I pX in patients with HTLV-I associated neurological disease

Article Abstract:

The human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is associated with adult T-cell leukemia and a neurological (affecting the nervous system) disease of the spinal cord called tropical spastic paraparesis or HTLV-I-associated myelopathy. Tropical spastic paraparesis or HTLV-I-associated myelopathy is a chronic condition where the myelin which surrounds the nerves (primarily the nerves of the spinal cord) degenerates, resulting in muscle weakness and loss of sensory function. However, only 1 percent of individuals who are infected with HTLV-I develop any clinical signs of disease. This difference in the development of disease among individuals may be associated with the following: the genetic backgrounds of the individuals; differences in the strains of virus causing the infection; and the immune response of the individuals to the virus. The individual differences in the immune response to HTLV-I were examined. It was found that individuals with neurological disease had high levels of a type of T lymphocytes, known as CD8+ cells, that are cytotoxic to (can kill) cells containing HTLV-I. These high levels of CD8+ cells were not seen in individuals who had antibodies to HTLV-I, indicative of infection, but did not have neurological disease. It is thought that HTLV-I specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes may contribute to the disease state in the neurological disorder tropical spastic paraparesis or HTLV-I-associated myelopathy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Complications and side effects, HTLV-I infections, CD8 lymphocytes, Paraparesis, Tropical spastic, Tropical spastic paraparesis

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Hopeful genes and immunology

Article Abstract:

The influence of genetics on the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) was discussed at a recent scientific conference; many laboratories are currently investigating the role of genetic factors in causing MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to work together in bringing about MS. The possibility of an inherited predisposition has been supported by studies of ethnic groups and families. As many as 18 percent of MS patients have relatives who are affected by the disease; some individuals may have subclinical disease (without symptoms). MS occurs more frequently in identical twins than in fraternal twins. Certain ethnic groups who live in the same geographic region as other ethnic groups have a significantly higher prevalence, suggesting that environment is less influential than genetics. In Kuwait, the Palestinians have triple the rate of MS as the Kuwaitis. Evidence supports the theory that MS is a polygenic disorder, meaning that several genes may contribute to the risk of developing the disease. Genes that involve immune function are of special interest because scientists suspect MS is caused in part by an immune disorder. Recent advances in the genetic and immunologic basis of MS are reviewed.

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Skewed T-cell receptor repertoire in genetically identical twins correlates with multiple sclerosis

Article Abstract:

Identical twin pairs in which one has multiple sclerosis (MS) select different T-cell receptors (TCRs) in response to specific antigens. The TCR repertoire is apparently shaped by exogenous factors or the disease itself, long thought to involve a T cell-mediated autoimmune mechanism. It is not known whether the T-cell repertoires were different before the onset of MS. These findings may hold implications for autoimmune diseases in general.

Risk factors, Autoimmune diseases, T cell antigen receptors, Twins

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