Abstract
AbstractImmune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are typically characterised by relapsing and remitting flares of inflammation. However, the unpredictability of disease flares impedes their study. Addressing this critical knowledge gap, we use the experimental medicine approach of immunomodulatory drug withdrawal in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission to synchronise flare processes allowing detailed characterisation. Exploratory mass cytometry analyses reveal three circulating cellular subsets heralding the onset of arthritis flare – CD45RO+PD1hi CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and CD27+CD86+CD21- B cells – further characterised by single-cell sequencing. Distinct lymphocyte subsets including cytotoxic and exhausted CD4+ memory T cells, memory CD8+CXCR5+ T cells, and IGHA1+ plasma cells are primed for activation in flare patients. Regulatory memory CD4+ T cells (Treg cells) increase at flare onset, but with dysfunctional regulatory marker expression compared to drug-free remission. Significant clonal expansion is observed in T cells, but not B cells, after drug cessation; this is widespread throughout memory CD8+ T cell subsets but limited to the granzyme-expressing cytotoxic subset within CD4+ memory T cells. Based on our observations, we suggest a model of immune dysregulation for understanding RA flare, with potential for further translational research towards novel avenues for its treatment and prevention.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Cited by
4 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献