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T regulatory lymphocyte cells may show COPD pathogenesis

Current and former smoking patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease showed a reduced number of T regulatory CD4⁺CD25^highCD127^– cells, indicating these cells may have a role in the pathogenesis of the disease, according to data published in World Allergy Organization Journal.

“We support the possible role of CD4⁺CD25^highCD127^– in COPD pathogenesis,” Alessandra Chiappori, BS, of the Allergy and Respiratory Diseases at the IRCCS San Martino-IST-University of Genoa Italy, and colleagues wrote. “Budesonide and formoterol tested in vitro did not have any effects on CD4⁺CD25^highCD127^– population in our experimental conditions. These results need to further be explored in a direct comparison with other bronchodilators and [inhaled corticosteroids] in order to better clarify their immunomodulatory properties.”

Chiappori and colleagues isolated CD4⁺CD25^highCD127^– cells from T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes of patients using flow cytometry and cultured for 48 hours with varied doses of budesonide and formoterol, according to the abstract. The study comprised 28 patients with COPD (14 current smokers vs. 14 former smokers) and 20 control patients (10 current smokers vs. 10 never smokers). The researchers reported the mean ages among the groups were statistically significantly different and the unequal sex ratio was in line with the higher prevalence of COPD in men.

For patients with COPD, the percentage of CD4⁺CD25^highCD127^– Tregs were significantly reduced among current smokers and former smokers, according to the abstract. Compared with the control group, there was no statistically significant response to budesonide alone or in combination with formoterol for CD4⁺CD25^highCD127^– cells in COPD patients.

“Nevertheless, if future studies will confirm these results, they should be analyzed bearing in mind the different rate of drug-related adverse events, such as pneumonia, described in clinical research,” Chiappori and colleagues wrote. “In fact, among the potential side effects of inhaled corticosteroid treatments in COPD patients, the use of fluticasone or fluticasone/salmeterol combination has been associated with a higher prevalence of pneumonia in the major long-term studies.” – by Jeff Craven

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.