Rheumatoid synovial CD4+ T cells exhibit a reduced capacity to differentiate into IL-4-producing T-helper-2 effector cells

CD4(+) memory T cells (Tm) from rheumatoid arthritis peripheral blood (RAPB) or peripheral blood from normal donors produced IL-2, whereas fewer cells secreted IFN-gamma or IL-4 after a brief stimulation. RAPB Tm contained significantly more IFN-gamma producers than normal cells. Many rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial Tm produced IFN-gamma alone (40%) and fewer cells produced IL-2 or IL-4. An in vitro model was employed to generate polarized T-helper (Th) effecters. Normal and RAPB Tm differentiated into both IFN-gamma- and IL-4-producing effecters. RA synovial fluid (RASF) Tm demonstrated defective responsiveness, exhibiting diminished differentiation of IL-4 effecters, whereas RA synovial tissue (RAST) Tm exhibited defective generation of IFN-gamma and IL-4 producers.