T-CELL IMMUNE DISORDERS IN CASE OF EARLY SYSTEMIC SCLERODERMA

Abstract

The genesis of pathological fibrosis in systemic scleroderma (SSD) remains unclear, but T-cell immune disorders are given important importance in the development and maintenance of this process. Goal. A parallel study of T-lymphocytic reactions in the blood and tissues of patients with early SSD, their quantitative assessment and study of the relationship with the activity of the disease. Material and methods. The content of the main marker of T-lymphocyte activation - The interleukin-2 receptor (rIL-2P) in the blood was quantified by ELISA in 68 patients with SSD, as well as in dynamics in 40 patients receiving glucocorticoids and/or D-penicillalmin at doses adequate to the activity of the disease. In parallel, 45 skin biopsies were morphologically examined, including immunohistochemical phenotyping of the cellular composition of infiltrates. Results. The early stage of SSD was characterized by the greatest severity of T-lymphocytic activation processes, represented by CD 4+ T-cell infiltration of the skin and elevated levels of rIL-2P in the blood. Serological and morphological signs of T-lymphocytic activation positively correlated with connective tissue fibroplastic reaction in situ and the rapidly progressive course of the disease. The relationship between the concentration of rIL-2P and the severity of lymphocytic infiltration of the skin has been established, which indicates the possibility of quantifying immuno-inflammatory processes in tissues based on the determination of rIL-2P in the blood. The study of the content of rIL-2P in dynamics confirmed its connection with the activity of SSDs. Conclusion. T-cell activation is characteristic of the initial stages of SSD and is closely related to It is associated with the progression of the fibrous process. The level of rIL-2P in the blood can serve as a highly sensitive marker of the activity and prognosis of SSD*.