Transcription factor SPI1 drives immunosuppressive CD45⁺ erythroid progenitor cells to ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Anaemia is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the role of erythroid-lineage cells is unclear. We investigated the function of CD45⁺ erythroid progenitor cells (CD45⁺ EPCs) in RA.

Methods

We analysed CD45⁺ EPC frequency in patients with RA and mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Transcriptomics, functional studies and mechanistic assays (Transwell and dual-luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative PCR) were used. Therapeutic potential was tested in RA synovial organoids and via splenectomy/adoptive transfer in mice with CIA.

Results

CD45⁺ EPCs were expanded in RA circulation and CIA mouse spleens, correlating positively with disease activity and negatively with

SUBMITTER: Zhu WH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12927344 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature