Extrafollicular CD4⁺ T-B interactions are sufficient for inducing autoimmune-like chronic graft-versus-host disease.

ABSTRACT: Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is an autoimmune-like syndrome mediated by pathogenic CD4⁺ T and B cells, but the function of extrafollicular and germinal center CD4⁺ T and B interactions in cGVHD pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Here we show that extrafollicular CD4⁺ T and B interactions are sufficient for inducing cGVHD, while germinal center formation is dispensable. The pathogenesis of cGVHD is associated with the expansion of extrafollicular CD44^hiCD62^loPSGL-1^loCD4⁺ (PSGL-1^loCD4⁺) T cells. These cells express high levels of ICOS, and the blockade of ICOS/ICOSL interaction prevents their expansion and ameliorates cGVHD. Expansion of PSGL-1^loCD4⁺ T cell

SUBMITTER: Deng R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5645449 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature