Expression of costimulatory molecules B7-H4 in PBC patients

Objective: To study the relationship between the levels of B7-H4 and PBC. Methods: Real-time quantitative PCR were used to detect the levels of B7-H4 mRNA on PBMCs. ELISA were used to detect the serum levels of IL-2. FACs were used to detect the CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-lymphocytes frequencies. Results: Levels of B7-H4 mRNA and B7-H4 frequencies were significantly lower than non-PBC hepatic cirrhosis group and healthy controls (P<0.01). After PHA treated for 72h the frequencies of CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD4(+)CD8(+) T-lymphocytes were all decreased (P<0.05). The same with serum levels of IL-2 (P<0.05). And the frequencies of CD4(+) and CD4(+)CD8(+) T-lymphocytes and serum levels of IL-2 were significantly higher in the PBC group than that of non-PBC hepatic cirrhosis group and healthy controls (P<0.01). Conclusion: Levels of B7-H4 decreased in PBC and could play an important role in immunoregulation of PBC.