Granulysin-producing cytotoxic T cells in the mucocutaneous lesions of Behçet disease: a distinct inflammatory response from erythema nodosum.

BACKGROUND

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) have been recognized as an important effector cell in Behçet disease (BD). Granulysin is a cytolytic granule protein expressed by CTLs and natural killer cells.

AIM: To evaluate the involvement of granulysin-producing T cells in the pathogenesis of BD.

METHODS

Using immunohistochemistry, lymphocyte subsets expressing granulysin were investigated in mucocutaneous lesions of BD. Serum granulysin levels were assayed by ELISA.

RESULTS

Granulysin-positive cells were seen in specimens from oral ulcers, genital ulcers and acne-like eruptions, but not erythema nodosum-like lesions. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressed granulysin. Serum granulysin levels did not correlate with disease activity in BD.

CONCLUSION

Immune reactions mediated by granulysin-positive CTLs may play an important role in the pathogenesis of acne-like eruptions, oral ulcers and genital ulcers in BD.