A network-based analysis of allergen-challenged CD4+T cells from patients with allergic rhinitis
Journal article, 2006

We performed a network-based analysis of DNA microarray data from allergen-challenged CD4 + T cells from patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Differentially expressed genes were organized into a functionally annotated network using the Ingenuity Knowledge Database, which is based on manual review of more than 200000 publications. The main function of this network is the regulation of lymphocyte apoptosis, a role associated with several genes of the tuber necrosis factor superfamily. The expression of TNFRSF4, one of the genes in this family, was found to be 48 times higher in allergen-challenged cells than in diluent-challenged cells. TNFRSF4 is known to inhibit apoptosis and to enhance Th2 proliferation. Examination of a different material of allergen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed a higher number of interleukin-4 + type 2 CD4 + T (Th2) cells in patients than in controls (P < 0.01), as well as a higher number of non-apoptotic Th2 cells in patients (P < 0.01). The number of Th2 cells expressing TNFRSF4, TNFSF7 and TNFRSF1B was also significantly higher in patients. Treatment with anti-TNFSF4 resulted in a significantly decreased number of Th2 cells (P < 0.05). A logical inference from all this is that the proliferation of allergen-challenged Th2 cells is associated with a decreased apoptosis of Th2 cells and an increase in TNFRSF4 signalling.

atopic-dermatitis

t-helper-2 cells

ox40 ligand

immune-responses

th2

receptor expression

costimulatory molecules

inflammation

t-cells

airway disease

Author

Mikael Benson

University of Gothenburg

Lena M S Carlsson

University of Gothenburg

Gilles Guillot

Chalmers

National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA)

Margareta Jernås

University of Gothenburg

M.A. Langston

University of Tennessee

Mats Rudemo

Chalmers, Mathematical Sciences, Mathematical Statistics

University of Gothenburg

Bengt Andersson

University of Gothenburg

Genes and Immunity

1466-4879 (ISSN) 1476-5470 (eISSN)

Vol. 7 6 514-521

Subject Categories

Immunology in the medical area

Genetics

DOI

10.1038/sj.gene.6364322

More information

Latest update

12/1/2020