Lesional CD4(+) IFN-gamma(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes in IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialoadenitis

摘要

Objectives IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory condition of unknown aetiology. We have recently described clonally expanded circulating CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in IgG4RD that infiltrate affected tissues where they secrete interleukin (IL)-1 beta and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1). In this study, we sought to examine the role of CD4' CTLs in the pathogenesis of IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialoadenitis (IgG4-DS) and to determine whether these cells secrete interferon-gamma (IFN-7) at lesional sites.