Abnormalities in lymphocyte telomerase activity and telomere length in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract

  T-cell telomerase activity was high in the active and inactive stages of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In contrast, B-cell telomerase activity was very high only in the active stage. Compared with normal subjects, SLE patients had a shorter T-cell telomere, but their B-cell telomere length did not differ from that of normal subjects. These findings suggest that T cells are always activated, and that the manifestation of the disease requires the activation of not only T but also B cells. B-cell inhibition alone may be sufficient to suppress the clinical symptoms of SLE, but we consider that the essential treatment of SLE should target T cells as well. In recent years, various biologicals have begun to be used for the treatment of SLE. It is interesting how the use of such biologicals in the future will change T- and B-cell telomerase activity. In formulating a therapeutic strategy using biologicals for SLE, the measurement of telomerase activity in T and B cells seems useful for the preparation of target cells, selection of therapeutic drugs, and evaluation of therapeutic responses.