Adaptive Immunity in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Phenotype and Functional Alterations of T-Cells before and during Infliximab Therapy
2012

T-Cell Changes in Ankylosing Spondylitis During Infliximab Therapy

Sample size: 13 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Szalay Balázs, Mészáros Gergő, Cseh Áron, Ács Lilla, Deák Magdolna, Kovács László, Vásárhelyi Barna, Balog Attila

Primary Institution: Semmelweis University

Hypothesis

The study aims to assess the phenotype of T-cell subsets in patients with ankylosing spondylitis before and during infliximab therapy.

Conclusion

Infliximab therapy improved the overall condition of patients, but the abnormalities in T-cell prevalence did not disappear.

Supporting Evidence

  • The prevalence of Th2 and Th17 cells was higher in AS patients compared to healthy controls.
  • Infliximab therapy improved disease activity but did not normalize T-cell prevalence.
  • CD4+ and CD8+ cells showed delayed calcium responses during activation in AS patients.

Takeaway

This study looked at how certain immune cells change in people with a disease called ankylosing spondylitis when they take a medicine called infliximab. Even though the medicine helps them feel better, it doesn't fix all the problems with their immune cells.

Methodology

Flow cytometry was used to determine T-cell subsets in peripheral blood and their intracellular signaling during activation in 13 AS patients before and during infliximab therapy.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and did not assess local immune conditions in affected joints.

Participant Demographics

11 male and 2 female patients with active ankylosing spondylitis, mean age 43.7 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2012/808724

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