Abstract: Objective To investigate the role of CD80/CD86 and CTLA-4 in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) and its clinical significance. Methods Applying RT-PCR technique to semiquantitatively analyze CD80/CD86 and CTLA-4 mRNA expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 32 active SLE patients. Results Compared with normal controls, the percentage of positive CD86 expression in active SLE, accounted for 90.63% (29/32), was significantly increased (P<0.01); the mean level of CD86 mRNA expression in active SLE group was markedly increased as well (P<0.001). Compared with normal controls, the percentage of positive CTLA-4 expression and the mean level of CTLA-4 mRNA expression in active SLE group were both increased significantly (P<0.01, both). There was no statistical difference in positive expression rate and average mRNA level of CD80 between active SLE group and normal controls (P>0.05, both). Conclusion The abnormal expression of CD86 and CTLA-4 might play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Key words: Lupus erythematosus, systemic, Antigens, CD