Abstract

PD-1+CXCR5-CD4+T peripheral helper (Tph) cells, a recently identified T cell subset, are proven to promote B cell responses and antibody production in rheumatoid arthritis, but their role in the pathogenesis of SLE is unknown. We explored the role of Tph in lupus disease development. This cohort study included 68 patients with SLE and 41 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. The frequency of PD-1+CXCR5-CD4+T cells was analysed in peripheral blood by flow cytometry. Inducible T-cell costimulator, CD38, MHC-II, IL-21, CXCR3 and CCR6 expression were measured in Tph cells. Comparisons between the two groups were performed, and correlations between Tph cells and other parameters were investigated. We revealed a markedly expanded population of Tph cells (8.31 ± 5.45 vs 2.86 ± 1.31%, P < 0.0001) in the circulation of patients with SLE (n = 68), compared with healthy controls (n = 41). Tph cells were much higher in the active group than in the inactive group (14.21 ± 5.21 vs 5.49 ± 2.52%, P < 0.0001). Tph cells were significantly associated with SLEDAI score (r = 0.802), ESR (r = 0.415), IgG (r = 0.434), C3 (r = -0.543), C4 (r = -0.518) and IL-21 level (r = 0.628), and ANA titre (r = 0.272). Furthermore, Tph cells were much higher in lupus patients with arthritis, nephritis, rash, alopecia, pleuritis, pericarditis and haematological involvement. Tph cells were associated with CD138+/CD19+ plasma cells (r = 0.518). Furthermore, MHC-II, inducible T-cell costimulator, CD38, and IL-21 expression were all higher in Tph cells from SLE patients compared with healthy controls. CXCR3+CCR6-Tph (Tph1) cells were expanded in the SLE patients. Our data show that relative number of Tph cells is correlated with disease measures in patients with SLE, suggesting an important role in lupus disease development.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

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.