FOXP3(+) T cells are present in kidney biopsy samples in children with tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome

Abstract

Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) is an inflammatory disease of unknown pathogenesis. To evaluate a possible role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the pathophysiology of TIN with (TINU) and without uveitis, we investigated the presence and quantity of FOXP3(+) T regulatory lymphocytes in diagnostic kidney biopsies from pediatric patients. A total of 33 patients (14 TIN and 19 TINU) were enrolled. The quantity of CD4(+), FOXP3(+) and double-positive T cells in formalin-fixed kidney biopsies was determined using double label immunohistochemistry with anti-human CD4 and FOXP3 antibodies. FOXP3 staining was successful in all 33 patients. In patients with chronic uveitis, the density of FOXP3(+) cells was significantly lower (p = 0.046) than in TIN patients without uveitis or with uveitis lasting <3 months. CD4(+) staining was successful in 23 patients. The density of all lymphocytes (CD4(+), CD4(+)FOXP3(+) and FOXP3(+) cells) was significantly lower (p = 0.023) in patients with chronic uveitis than in other patients. FOXP3(+) T cells are present in kidney biopsy samples from TIN and TINU patients. In patients with chronic uveitis, the density of FOXP3(+) T cells is significantly lower than in other patients, suggesting a different pathomechanism for these clinical conditions.