Expression of CD25 and CD69 on T Cells in Sera and Synovial Fluid from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective To analyze the expression CD25 and CD69 on T cells in peripheral blood and synovial fluid (SF) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and study their role in the pathogenesis of synovial inflammation. Methods From April 2005 to September 2006, 30 patients with RA and 12 healthy controls were enrolled, and peripheral sera and SF were taken subsequently. Expression of CD25 and CD69 on T cells were analyzed on a flow cytometry.Results Expression CD25 and CD69 was slightly increased in peripheral blood of RA patients, but not significantly different than that in controls (P0.05). However, CD25 and CD69 expression was found to be significantly increased in synovial T cells from RA patients compared with those in healthy controls (P0.05). 12 RA patients were treated with immune suppressants, and CD25 and CD69 expression in T cells was also detected 2 months after effective treatment, showing that CD25 and CD69 were markedly decreased (P0.05).Conclusion CD25 and CD69 are significantly increased in synovial T cells from RA patients. These activated T cells may directly participate in immune response in synovial tissue.