Increased CD45RO+ CD62L+ CD4+ T-cell subpopulation responsible for Th2 response in Kimura's disease

Kimura's disease is characterized by subcutaneous masses, eosinophilia, and markedly elevated serum immunoglobulin E, suggesting that T helper (Th)2 cells may play a role in the pathogenesis. We investigated Th2 cytokine synthesis by mononuclear cells and possible Th1/Th2 subpopulations in Kimura's disease. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from seven patients with Kimura's disease and CD4(+) T-cell subpopulations separated by CD45RO and CD62L were isolated. Purified cells were stimulated with PHA or anti-CD3 mAb, and the cytokine levels were measured by Cytometric Bead Array kit. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the majority of the patients produced Th2 cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 or GM-CSF higher than those of controls. The ratio of CD45RO(+) CD62L(+) cells in CD4(+) T cells was increased in six out of seven patients compared to age-matched controls. Especially, patient 1 had remarkably increased levels of CD45RO(+) CD62L(+) population in CD4(+) T cells. In addition, IL-4 production levels by CD45RO(+) CD62L(+) CD4(+) T cells of patients 1 and 2 were higher than those of their CD45RO(+) CD62L(-) CD4(+) T cells, in the same manner as those by a normal control. Taken together, the synthesis of Th2 cytokines and CD62L-positive subpopulation in CD45RO(+) CD4(+) T cells, which may represent characteristics of Th2, are increased in patients with Kimura's disease, suggesting that deviation to Th2 may involve in pathogenesis of the disease. (C) 2013 American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.