Abnormal activity of ROCK contributes to increased adhesion and migration of peripheral blood T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

AIM: To investigate the role of Rho kinase (ROCK) in the regulation of adhesion and migration of the T cells from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. METHODS: The T cells were isolated by RosettSep T cell purification kit. ROCK activity was assessed by Western blotting. T cell migration was examined by Transwell chambers. RESULTS: Compared with the T cells from healthy controls and rheumatoid arthritis patients, the activity of ROCK in ex vivo T cells from SLE patients was significantly increased. In vitro, the adhesion and migration of the T cells from SLE patients were also increased. Furthermore, the adhesion and migration of the T cells from SLE patients were inhibited by a specific ROCK inhibitor Y27632. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that ex vivo T cells from SLE patients exhibit increased activity of ROCK. Alteration of ROCK activity may contribute to the abnormal adhesion and migration of T cells from SLE patients.