Immunophenotyping of patients with ulcerative colitis

Muriyadan, Janet Theres (2021): Immunophenotyping of patients with ulcerative colitis. Dissertation, LMU München: Medizinische Fakultät

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown origin. It involves a complex interaction between adaptive and innate immune system. The aim of this study was to find prognostic markers in peripheral blood that relate to the inflammatory condition in the patient. To get a better understanding of the dynamics of the inflammatory process, we analysed peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 39 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and compared them to those of 24 healthy individuals (Non-UC). Nine of the UC patients had previously undergone colectomy. Except for six patients, all were treated with multiple immunosuppressant drugs. The samples were characterized using 17 cell surface molecules to establish an immunological profile via flow cytometric analysis. Results identified CD25+ CD4+ cells, CD4+ CRTH2+ cells, CD11b+ cells and CD1a+ CD11b+ cells as biological markers to discriminate between Non-UC and UC donors. The immune profile of colectomised patients was similar to that of other UC patients, indicating that the removal of the main targeted organ does not restore a healthy immune system. This might explain the predisposition of colectomised UC patients to develop pouchitis. The results from this study corroborate the hypothesis that a comprehensive approach might lead to a better understanding of the immunological processes underlying the pathology of UC. However, future studies will have to be improved regarding subtypes of immune cells and must include the analysis of cytokines and the histologic evaluation of colon tissue. In conclusion, immunological profiling can help us understand the complex mechanisms underlying ulcerative colitis. This can further lead to the identification of more specific targets for drugs and consequently a better and personalized treatment.

• Dokumententyp: Dissertationen (Dissertation, LMU München)
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften ; 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• Fakultäten: Medizinische Fakultät
• Sprache der Hochschulschrift: Englisch
• Datum der mündlichen Prüfung: 11. Februar 2021
• 1. Bericht­erstatter:in: Siebeck, Matthias