Relationship between CD158j expression and phosphorylated ERK levels in CD4 + CD28null T cells in cerebral infarction patients with carotid atherosclerosis / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the relationship between CD158j expression and phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) in CD4+ CD28null T cells in cerebral infarction (CI) patients- with carotid atherosclerosis and its effects on carotid atherosclerotic plaque stability. Methods Percentage of peripheral CD4+ CD28null and the expression of CD158j and perform on CD4+ CD28null cells was analyzed with flow cytometry in 106 CI patients with carotid atherosclerosis, 33 CI patients with normal carotid arteries and in 50 normal controls, respectively; p-ERK expression was assayed with flow cytometry in 36 CI patients with unstable plaque, and serum IFN-γ was detected with ELISA. The intima-media thickness (IMT) of bilateral carotid arteries in all subjects was confirmed by the colour Doppler ultrasonograph imagingResults Percentage of the CD4+ CD28null T cells, expression of CD158j and perform on CD4+ CD28null T cells and the serum IFN-γ levels was dramatically higher in CI patients than that in normal controls, respectively (all P <0.01), which was decreased in an order of CI patients with patients with unstable plaque, stable plaque, carotid artery IMT and with normal carotid artery. A strong positive correlation was observed between the CD158j expression and degree of p-ERK in CI patients with unstable plaque (P < 0. 01). Conclusion CD4+ CD28null T cells were significantly increased in CI patients with carotid atherosclerosis. CD158j might up-regulate p-ERK expression and induce the proliferation of the CD4+ CD28nullT cells; consequently, higher cytokine production such as IFN-γ produced by CD4+ CD28null T cells may cause the formation of unstable plaque.