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Pan S, Xiao X, Li T, Wu S, Zhou J, Tan S, Cheng J, Tian Y, Zhang H, Zhang X. Definition of follicular helper T cell and cytokines expression in synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:129-135. [PMID: 37792147 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06772-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the role of synovial fluid (SF) CD4+T, CD19+B, follicular helper cells (Tfh), and cytokines in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS This study enrolled 16 patients with RA and 8 patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The frequencies of the SF CD4+ T, CD19+ B, Tfh cells, and Tfh subsets were assessed using flow cytometry. The medical condition in patients with RA was evaluated using The Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured. The cytokines IL-4, IL-13, IL-21, and BLyS were measured by ELISA test. RESULTS The percentages of SF CD4+T, CD19+B, and PD-1+CXCR5+ Tfh in RA patients were higher than those in OA patients. And the Tfh2 was the main subset among Tfh subsets. In addition, levels of IL-21 and BLyS were higher in patients with RA compared to patients with OA. Furthermore, the treatment of TNF-α inhibitors may be associated with decreased levels of SF Tfh. CONCLUSIONS Elevated SF Tfh, B cell, and cytokines expression profiles were observed in RA patients. Tfh2 was the major subset of the Tfh, and IL-21 and BLyS were significantly enhanced. Additionally, TNF-α inhibitors reduced Tfh in SF. Therefore, Tfh, B, and Tfh2 cells could play a significant role in the progression of RA. Key Points •Tfh cells in the synovial fluid are significantly higher in RA patients and are dominated by the Tfh2 subpopulation. •Synovial fluid Tfh cells decrease in RA patients after anti-TNF-α treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowei Pan
- The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xiao
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- Department of Nutrition, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tong Li
- The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Shiyao Wu
- The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Junyu Zhou
- The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Shuangyun Tan
- The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaomei Cheng
- The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yuzi Tian
- The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Huali Zhang
- The Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.
- Provincial Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic and immunologic Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.
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Qi J, Liu C, Bai Z, Li X, Yao G. T follicular helper cells and T follicular regulatory cells in autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1178792. [PMID: 37187757 PMCID: PMC10175690 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1178792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are heterogeneous and mainly characterized by expressing surface markers CXCR5, ICOS, and PD-1; cytokine IL-21; and transcription factor Bcl6. They are crucial for B-cell differentiation into long-lived plasma cells and high-affinity antibody production. T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells were described to express markers of conventional T regulatory (Treg) cells and Tfh cells and were able to suppress Tfh-cell and B-cell responses. Evidence has revealed that the dysregulation of Tfh and Tfr cells is positively associated with the pathogenic processes of autoimmune diseases. Herein, we briefly introduce the phenotype, differentiation, and function of Tfh and Tfr cells, and review their potential roles in autoimmune diseases. In addition, we discuss perspectives to develop novel therapies targeting Tfh/Tfr balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Qi
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- *Correspondence: Genhong Yao, ; Jingjing Qi,
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ziran Bai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Genhong Yao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Genhong Yao, ; Jingjing Qi,
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Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells with the phenotype of mainly expressing surface molecules C-X-C motif chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5), inducible co-stimulator (ICOS), secreting cytokine interleukin-21 (IL-21) and requiring the transcription factor B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL-6) have been recently defined as a new subset of CD4+ T cells. They exist in germinal centers (GCs) of lymphoid organs and in peripheral blood. With the ability to promote B cell development, GC formation and antibody production, Tfh cells play critical roles in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), etc. The aberrant proliferation and function of Tfh cells will cause the pathological process like autoantibody production and tissue injury. In this paper, we review the recent advances in Tfh cell biology and their roles in autoimmune diseases, with a mention of their use as therapeutic targets, which will shed more light on the pathogenesis and treatment of certain autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xindi Wei
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai, 200025, China; Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial Implantology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoyin Niu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Anaparti V, Tanner S, Zhang C, O’Neil L, Smolik I, Meng X, Marshall AJ, El-Gabalawy H. Increased frequency of TIGIT+ CD4 T Cell subset in autoantibody-positive first-degree relatives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:932627. [PMID: 35967356 PMCID: PMC9366176 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.932627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite immune cell dysregulation being an important event preceding the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the phenotype of T and B cells in preclinical RA is less understood. The aim of this study was to characterize T and B cell populations in RA patients and their autoantibody (aAb) negative and positive first-degree relatives (FDR). Methods Cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected at scheduled visits from aAb-(n=25), and aAb+ FDR (n=10) and RA patients (n=13) were thawed and stained using optimized antibody cocktails as per a specific 13-color T or B cell panel. Immunophenotyping was performed using a Cytoflex LX (Beckman-Coulter) flow cytometer and FlowJo software was used for analyzing the frequency of immune cell populations. Results Multicolor flow cytometry experiments identified an increased TIGIT expression in circulating lymphocytes of aAb+ FDR and RA patients, relative to aAb- FDR (P<0.01). These TIGIT+ T cells exhibited a memory phenotype and expressed high levels of PD-1, ICOS, HLA-DR, CXCR3 and CXCR5. Moreover, increased TIGIT+ CD4 T cell frequency correlated with the frequency of PD-1+ CD4 T cells (r = 0.4705: P = 0.0043) and circulating levels of ACPA and RF. We also identified a decreased frequency of CD27+IgD- switched memory B cells in RA patients (P < 0.01), while increased frequency of TIGIT+ CD4 T cells in FDR correlated with the frequency of PD1+PTEN+ B cells (r = 0.6838, P = 0.0004) and autoantibody positivity (P = 0.01). Conclusion We demonstrate TIGIT as a distinct CD4 T cell marker for differentiating aAb- FDR from aAb+FDR and might play a critical role in regulating T and B cell crosstalk in preclinical RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidyanand Anaparti
- Manitoba Center of Proteomics and Systems Biology, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Vidyanand Anaparti,
| | - Stacy Tanner
- Manitoba Center of Proteomics and Systems Biology, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Christine Zhang
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Liam O’Neil
- Manitoba Center of Proteomics and Systems Biology, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Rheumatic Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Irene Smolik
- Rheumatic Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Xiaobo Meng
- Manitoba Center of Proteomics and Systems Biology, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Rheumatic Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Aaron J. Marshall
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Hani El-Gabalawy
- Manitoba Center of Proteomics and Systems Biology, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Rheumatic Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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