Single-cell insights into immune dysregulation in rheumatoid arthritis flare versus drug-free remission.

ABSTRACT: Immune-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⁺PD1^hi 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⁺

SUBMITTER: Baker KF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10844292 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature