CHANGES IN THE SURFACE IL-6 RECEPTOR EXPRESSION OF DISTINCT IMMUNE CELLS IN PROGRESSION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Abstract

Introduction: Mechanisms of immune response in COPD are still poorly understood, despite global challenge which this disorder presents to public medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate IL-6R expression on the surface of immune cells in the course of COPD progression. Materials and methods. The study included 112 patients with stable mild, moderate and severe COPD (spirometry classes 1,2, and 3). A control group included 32 healthy subjects. The COPD patients were in remission phase. Expression of IL-6R on the surface of T lymphocytes, T helper cells, monocytes and granulocytes was determined by flow cytometry. Results and Discussion. Progression of the disease was accompanied by increase in the relative amounts of CD126+ immunocompetent cells. The number of CD4+CD126+ cells was maximally increased at all stages of COPD. Moreover, the number of CD126+ granulocytes proved to be significantly increased with increasing severity of COPD. Hence, it may be assumed that T-helper cells and granulocytes are primary target cells for IL-6 anti-inflammatory action, which is mediated by classic signaling.

Keywords

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• remission
• il-6r
• cd126
• classic signaling
• pro-inflammatory properties
• anti-inflammatory properties
• immune cells