Abstract
The frequency of different subsets of CD4(+)CXCR5(+) TFH cells and serum cytokine levels were analyzed in a total of 14 patients with newly diagnosed hepatitis B virus-associated membranous nephropathy (HBV-MN), 12 individuals with immune-tolerant HBV infection (HBV-IT) and 12 healthy controls (HC). Serum cytokine levels were measured before and 10-12 weeks after treatment. Significantly higher frequency of CD4(+)CXCR5(+), CD4(+)CXCR5(+)ICOS(+) and CD4(+)CXCR5(+)PD-1(+) TFH cells, and higher serum levels of IL-17A, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10, IL-4 and IL-21 were detected in HBV-MN patients compared to the HC. The percentage of CD4(+)CXCR5(+) TFH cells and serum IL-21 level in HBV-MN patients were also higher than the HBV-IT. The percentage of CD4(+)CXCR5(+) TFH cell was negatively correlated with the value of eGFR, and the percentage of CD4(+)CXCR5(+)ICOS(+) TFH cells was positively correlated with the 24-h urinary protein concentration. Notably, the percentage of CD4(+)CXCR5(+)PD-1(+) TFH cells was positively correlated with serum IL-21 level and 24-h urinary protein concentration. Treatment with prednisone or/and immunosuppressive drugs significantly reduced the frequency of CD4(+)CXCR5(+), CD4(+)CXCR5(+)PD-1(+) TFH cells and serum IL-21 level, but increased IL-4 and IL-10 levels in the patients. CD4(+)CXCR5(+) TFH cells, especially CD4(+)CXCR5(+)PD-1(+) TFH cells may participate in the pathogenesis of HBV-MN.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.