Cited 19 times since 2008 (1.2 per year) source: EuropePMC Journal of neuroimmunology, Volume 195, Issue 1-2, 20 3 2008, Pages 164-170 B and T cell imbalances in CSF of patients with Hu-antibody associated PNS. de Graaf M, de Beukelaar J, Bergsma J, Kraan J, van den Bent M, Klimek M, van Norden Y, Kusuma A, Smitt PS, Gratama JW
In paraneoplastic neurological syndromes associated with Hu-antibodies (Hu-PNS) an important role for cellular immunity is hypothesized. We characterized the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis in Hu-PNS patients by assessing the major lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry. The B cell subset in the CSF of Hu-PNS patients showed a significant absolute (approximately 20x) and relative (approximately 3x) expansion, while the numbers of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and NK cells only showed an absolute expansion (approximately 4-7x) compared to the controls. On the other hand, the NKT cell subset showed a significant relative reduction in CSF and in blood of Hu-PNS patients. The relative B cell expansion is consistent with the intrathecal synthesis of Hu-antibodies, while the increased number of T and NK cells supports an additional role for cellular immunity in the pathogenesis of Hu-PNS. In addition, the autoimmune hypothesis of Hu-PNS is supported by the relative NKT cell deficiency.
