ABNORMAL GAMMA-IFN AND ALPHA-TNF SECRETION IN PURIFIED CD2- THEIR IMPLICATION IN THE CLINICAL COURSE OF THE DISEASE( CELLS FROM AUTOIMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA (ATP) PATIENTS )

Gamma inferferon (gamma IFN), alpha tumor necrosis factor (alpha TNF), and interleukin 6 (IL-60) are cytokines produced by a wide variety of cells, including T lymphocytes and NK cells, These cytokines affect B -cell proliferation and differentiation into immunoglobulin secreting cells. In addition, gamma IFN and alpha TNF also enhance the function of macrophages, upregulating the expression of their IgG receptors, Ab normalities in the production of these cytokines may be involved in th e clinical course of autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ATP), This p aper describes the production of these cytokines in PHA-stimulated per ipheral blood CD2+ cells from ATP patients. Both gamma IFN and alpha T NF were significantly increased in PHA-stimulated CD2+ cells from ther apy-dependent ATP patients (platelet counts <50,000/)mu l), as compare d to ATP patients with stable disease (sustained platelet counts >50,0 00/mu l without need treatment) (P < 0.05), No significant differences were found in gamma IFN production by PHA-stimulated CD2+ cells betwe en therapy-dependent ATP patients and healthy controls (P < 0.05). How ever, the production of alpha TNF by PHA-stimulated CD2+ cells from th erapy-dependent ATP patients was significantly higher compared to that found in healthy controls (P < 0.05), There were no significant diffe rences in IL-6 production by PHA-stimulated CD2+ cells from ATP patien ts and healthy controls (P < 0.05), These findings demonstrate abnorma l gamma IFN and alpha TNF secretion in purified CD2 cells from ATP pat ients, The clinical severity of the disease is associated with the alt ered secretion of these lymphokines by CD2 cells. (C) 1995 Wiley-Lies, Inc.