Lesions of primary and secondary syphilis contain activated cytolytic T cells

Infect Immun. 1996 Mar;64(3):1048-50. doi: 10.1128/iai.64.3.1048-1050.1996.

Abstract

This study demonstrates that CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) are found in both primary and secondary syphilis lesions. CD8+ T cells were detected by immunohistology, and mRNAs for granzyme B and perforin were detected by reverse transcription and PCR, suggesting that CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes are activated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • Granzymes
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Serine Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Syphilis / immunology*
  • Syphilis / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*
  • Treponema pallidum / immunology

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • GZMB protein, human
  • Granzymes
  • Serine Endopeptidases