Activation of T Lymphocytes in Response to Persistent Bacterial Infection: Induction of CD11b and of Toll-Like Receptors on T Cells
T cell activation is invariably associated with virus infections, but activation of T cells is also noted, for example, in patients with persistent bacterial infections with intracellular pathogens or localised bacterial biofilms. The latter is characterised by a destructive inflammatory process. M...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2010-01-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Inflammation |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.4061/2010/526740 |
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| Summary: | T cell activation is invariably associated with virus infections, but activation of T cells is also noted, for example, in patients with persistent bacterial infections with intracellular pathogens or localised bacterial biofilms. The latter is characterised by a destructive inflammatory process. Massive infiltration of leukocytes, predominantly of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and of T lymphocytes, is seen. While PMN influx into sites of bacterial infection is in line with their role as “first-line defence” a role of T cells in bacterial infection has not yet been delineated. We now found evidence for activation and expansion of peripheral blood T cells and an upregulation of Toll-like receptors 1, 2, and 4 on small portions of T cells. T cells recovered from the infected site were terminally differentiated and produced interferon gamma, a cytokine known to enhance functions of phagocytic cells, leading to the conclusion that infiltrated T cells support the local immuner defence. |
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| ISSN: | 2042-0099 |