Peripheral T helper subset profiling in idiopathic inflammatory myositis: Proof of concept

Increased Cytokine Levels in Seronegative Myositis: Potential Th17 Immune Response Implications

Th17 cells are known for producing IL-17 and their role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including myositis. Likewise, the participation of the IL-23/IL-17 pathway in autoimmunity has been confirmed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the behavior of cytokines in myositis, focusing on the autoantibodies profile and the myositis core set measures. Twenty-five myositis patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. An expert rheumatologist evaluated the myositis core set measures. Serum levels of cytokines and chemokines were quantified using the LEGENDplex Multi-Analyte Flow Assay Kit from BioLegend. The autoantibodies detection was carried out using the line-blot assay kit Euroline: Autoimmune Inflammatory Myopathies from EUROIMMUN. We found higher serum levels of IL-33, CXCL8, IL-6, IL-23, and IL-12p70 in seronegative patients. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that MYOACT scores could be predicted by the increment of IL-23 and the decrement of CCL2, IL-10, and CXCL8 serum levels. These findings suggest that the immune response in seronegative myositis patients exhibits an IL-23-driven Th17 immune response. The relevance of this discovery lies in its potential therapeutic implications. Insights into the IL-23-driven Th17 immune response in seronegative patients highlight the potential for targeted therapies aimed at modulating Th17 activity.

Peripheral Th17/Treg imbalance in Chinese patients with untreated antisynthetase syndrome associated interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common and fatal manifestation of antisynthetase syndrome (ASS). The aim of this study was to provide new insight into investigate peripheral blood lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells, cytokine levels and their relation to the clinical profile of untreated patients with ASS-ILD. The retrospective study population included thirty patients diagnosed with ASS-ILD and 30 healthy controls (HCs). Baseline clinical and laboratory data were collected for all subjects, including peripheral blood lymphocyte, CD4+ T cell subsets measured by flow cytometry, and serum cytokine levels measured by multiple microsphere flow immunofluorescence. Their correlations with clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed by Pearson's or Spearman's correlation analysis. In addition, the Benjamini-Hochberg method was used for multiple correction to adjust the p-values. Patients with ASS-ILD had lower CD8+ T cells, higher proportion of Th17 cells and Th17/Treg ratio than HCs. Serum cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IL-8, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ) were higher in patients with ASS-ILD than HCs. Moreover, Th17/Treg ratio was negatively correlated with diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO)%. Our study demonstrated abnormalities of immune disturbances in patients with ASS-ILD, characterized by decreased CD8+ T cells and an increased Th17/Treg ratio, due to an increase in the Th17 cells. These abnormalities may be the immunological mechanism underlying the development of ILD in ASS.

Research Progress in pathogenesis of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease from the perspective of pulmonary cells

The lungs are a principal factor in the increased morbidity and mortality observed in patients with Connective Tissue Disease (CTD), frequently presenting as CTD-associated Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive descriptions of the pulmonary cells implicated in the development of CTD-ILD. This review leverages the Human Lung Cell Atlas (HLCA) and spatial multi-omics atlases to discuss the advancements in research on the pathogenesis of CTD-ILD from a pulmonary cell perspective. This facilitates a more precise localization of disease sites and a more systematic consideration of disease progression, supporting further mechanistic studies and targeted therapies.

Autoimmune inflammatory myopathy biomarkers

The autoimmune inflammatory myopathy disease spectrum, commonly known as myositis, is a group of systemic diseases that mainly affect the muscles, skin and lungs. Biomarker assessment helps in understanding disease mechanisms, allowing for the implementation of precise strategies in the classification, diagnosis, and management of these diseases. This review examines the pathogenic mechanisms and highlights current data on blood and tissue biomarkers of autoimmune inflammatory myopathies.