TY - JOUR T1 - Expression of HLA-DR in circulating polymorphonuclear neutrophils of COPD patients JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 42 IS - Suppl 57 SP - P608 AU - Sergio Scrimini AU - Jaume Pons AU - Borja Cosío AU - Alvar Agusti AU - Andreas Jahn AU - Rocío Córdova AU - Jaume Sauleda Y1 - 2013/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P608.abstract N2 - Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases where both innate and adaptive immunity participate. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a key role in the pathogenesis of COPD due to the production of reactive oxygen species and lytic enzymes. Recent evidence shows that PMNs can express MHC class II and activate an adaptive immune response.Material and methods: The expression of HLA-DR (MHC class II) and CD 11b, as a marker of activation, were quantified on peripheral PMNs by flow cytometry in: a) 31 non-smokers controls (NSC) (mean±SD, 60 ±8y., FEV1% pred= 112 ± 14,6); b) 34 smokers with normal lung function (SM) (57±9y., FEV1% pred= 102±16, 30±18 paq/y); and c) 53 COPD patients (64±10y, FEV1% pred=61±20, 54±30 paq/y).Results: The percentage of HLA-DR+PMNs was higher in COPD patients (median [range]: 12.7[1.7-78.3%]) than in NSC (7.6 [1.7-23.8], p=0.003). COPD current smokers showed an increased proportion of HLA-DR+PMNs (14.7 [3.7-78.3]) as compared with current smokers with normal spirometry (10 [2.4-20.6], p=0.02) and COPD former smokers (11.2 [1.7-23.2], p=0.009). The correlation between the expression of CD 11b and HLA-DR was significant (r=0.785, p=<0.001).Conclusions: The HLA-DR expression on circulating PMNs of COPD patients suggests the participation of activated PMNs in the modulation of the adaptive immune response in COPD. ER -