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Characterization of SV40 T antigen immortalized human synovial fibroblasts: maintained expression patterns of EGR-i, HLA-DR and some surface receptors

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Abstract

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts are activated by growth factors and cytokines to proliferate and to express matrix-degrading proteases and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This contributes to cartilage degradation and joint destruction. To analyse the parameters that lead to activation of synovial fibroblasts, we established a stable human synoviocyte line (K4IM) from a healthy donor by immortalization with SV40 T antigen (TAg). Characterizing the phenotype of the immortalized K41M cells, we found that they maintained CD44, CD54 (intercellular adhesion molecule; ICAM-1) and CD95 (Fas) expression, but lost the expression of CD106 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1; VCAM-1) and the receptors for interleukin 1 (IL-1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). We also monitored normal expression kinetics of transcription factor Egr-1 upon activation with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or synovial fluid from RA patients. In addition, we showed that HLA-DR expression could still be upregulated by recombinant interferon gamma (HNF-Y). The immortalized K41M cell line therefore represents a valuable and unique tool to study mechanisms that induce or maintain synoviocyte activation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Research Unit for Rheumatology, University Hospital, Breisacher Str. 64, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany

    C. Haas, W. K. Aicher, A. Dinkel & H. Eibel

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital, Hugstetterstraße 55, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany

    H. H. Peter

Authors
  1. C. Haas
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  2. W. K. Aicher
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  3. A. Dinkel
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  4. H. Eibel
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  5. H. H. Peter
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Correspondence to H. Eibel.

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Haas, C., Aicher, W.K., Dinkel, A. et al. Characterization of SV40 T antigen immortalized human synovial fibroblasts: maintained expression patterns of EGR-i, HLA-DR and some surface receptors. Rheumatol Int 16, 241–247 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01375656

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01375656

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