Our model demonstrates the inflammatory potential of ACPA-containing ICs via engagement of FcgammaRIIa at the surface of macrophages, strongly supporting their pathophysiologic involvement. Continuing dissection of these molecular pathways could open the way to new therapeutic approaches in patients with RA.

Background: abT cells have a wide distribution of CD3 membrane density. The aim of this article was to evaluate the significance of the CD3 differential expression on T cell subsets. Analysis was performed on healthy donors and renal transplant patients by flow cytometry. The results obtained are: (1) CD3 expression was widely distributed (CV 5 38.3 6 3.1 to 43 6 2.3%). (2) The CD4, CD8, CD45 and forward scatter were similarly distributed. (3) The diversity of CD3 expression was directly related to the clonotypes: c9, non c9 from cdT cells and Vb clonotype from abT cells (e.g., Vb3FITC 7,980 6 1,628 Vb8PE: Vb20-FITC 11,768 6 1,510). (4) Using a computer simulation, we could confirm differential kinetics of T cell activation according to the initial parameters. Finally, in vitro activation was significantly higher on Vb8 and Vb9 (high CD3) compared with Vb2 and Vb3 (low CD3, P 5 0.040-0.0003).

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