@article{89fdf482568848b79383f54bc2134a36,
title = "CD4-regulatory cells in COPD patients.",
abstract = "BACKGROUND: The numbers of airway CD8 and B lymphocytes are increased in COPD patients, suggesting an autoimmune process. CD4-regulatory T cells control autoimmunity but have not been studied in patients with COPD. OBJECTIVE: To compare T-regulatory cell numbers in the BAL from COPD patients, smokers with normal lung function, and healthy nonsmokers (HNS). METHODS: BAL and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were obtained from 26 COPD patients, 19 smokers, and 8 HNS. Flow cytometry was performed for regulatory phenotypic markers. RESULTS: COPD patients had increased BAL CD8 numbers compared to smokers and HNS. CD4 numbers were similar between groups. There was increased BAL CD4CD25(bright) expression in smokers (median 28.8%) and COPD patients (median 23.1%) compared to HNS (median 0%). Increased FoxP3 expression was confirmed in BAL CD4CD25(bright) cells. BAL CD4CD25 cells expressed less CD27 compared to PBMCs, suggesting weaker functional regulatory ability. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Chronic cigarette smoke exposure up-regulates airway CD4 regulatory cell numbers. Their function may be to control pulmonary inflammation.",
keywords = "Aged, Antigens, CD, Antigens, CD27, Antigens, CD3, Antigens, CD45, Antigens, CD8, Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte, CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes, CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Female, Forkhead Transcription Factors, Gene Expression Regulation, Humans, Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit, Male, Middle Aged, Neuropilins, Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive, Smoking, T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory",
author = "Smyth, {Lucy J C} and Cerys Starkey and J{\o}rgen Vestbo and Dave Singh",
year = "2007",
doi = "10.1378/chest.07-0083",
language = "English",
volume = "132",
pages = "156--63",
journal = "Chest",
issn = "0012-3692",
publisher = "American College of Chest Physicians",
number = "1",
}