The phenotype of circulating follicular-helper T cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis defines CD200 as a potential therapeutic target.

ABSTRACT: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting synovial joints in which the development of autoantibodies represents a failure of normal tolerance mechanisms, suggesting a role for follicular helper T cells (T(FH)) in the genesis of autoimmunity. To determine whether quantitative or qualitative abnormalities in the circulating T(FH) cell population exist, we analysed by flow cytometry the number and profile of these cells in 35 patients with RA and 15 matched controls. Results were correlated with patient characteristics, including the presence of autoantibodies, disease activity, and treatment with biologic agents. Circulating T(FH) cells from patients with RA show significantly increased expression of the immunoglobulin superfamily receptor CD200, with hig

SUBMITTER: Chakera A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3471455 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature