Activated T-Follicular Helper 2 Cells Are Associated With Disease Activity in IgG4-Related Sclerosing Cholangitis and Pancreatitis.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) and autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) are characterized by an abundance of circulating and tissue IgG4-positive plasma cells. T-follicular helper (Tfh) cells are necessary for B-cell differentiation into plasma cells. We aimed at elucidating the presence and phenotype of Tfh cells and their relationship with disease activity in IgG4-SC/AIP.

Methods

Circulating Tfh-cell subsets were characterized by multiparametric flow cytometry in IgG4-SC/AIP (n = 18), disease controls with primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 8), and healthy controls (HCs, n = 9). Tissue Tfh cells were characterized in IgG4-SC/AIP (n = 12) and disease control (n = 10) specimens. Activated PD1+ Tfh cells were cocultured with CD27+ memory B cel

SUBMITTER: Cargill T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6602789 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature