biostudies-literatureUnknown16Catellani C<h4>Introduction</h4>Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis in the elderly, characterized by granulomatous infiltration of immune cells in medium and large arteries. A therapeutic protocol that combines ultra-short glucocorticoids (GC) followed by tocilizumab (TCZ) monotherapy has been proven effective in GCA patients with extracranial large vessel involvement (LV-GCA). However, its effects on circulating immune cells are unknown. The aim of this study was to deepen the understanding of the immunological mechanisms behind this treatment regimen in patients with LV-GCA.<h4>Methods</h4>15 patients with active LV-GCA were included in this study. Blood samples were collected at baseline, after 3 days of GC treatment, at weeks 24 and 52 during TCZ monotherapy, and at week 78 aFrontiers in immunology1516008https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11983418biostudies-literatureGlucocorticoid boluses followed by tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis patients: effects on peripheral blood monocytes and lymphocytes.PMC11983418Buia VCasali MSalvarani CCatanoso MZerbini AMuratore FFerrigno IVersari ABesutti GBonacini MMarvisi CCroci SCatellani CBoiardi LSpaggiari LDi Tommaso GCassone GDurmo RRossi AfalseGlucocorticoid boluses followed by tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis patients: effects on peripheral blood monocytes and lymphocytes.<h4>Introduction</h4>Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis in the elderly, characterized by granulomatous infiltration of immune cells in medium and large arteries. A therapeutic protocol that combines ultra-short glucocorticoids (GC) followed by tocilizumab (TCZ) monotherapy has been proven effective in GCA patients with extracranial large vessel involvement (LV-GCA). However, its effects on circulating immune cells are unknown. The aim of this study was to deepen the understanding of the immunological mechanisms behind this treatment regimen in patients with LV-GCA.<h4>Methods</h4>15 patients with active LV-GCA were included in this study. Blood samples were collected at baseline, after 3 days of GC treatment, at weeks 24 and 52 during TCZ monotherapy, and at week 78 a2025-01-01T00:00:00Z20252026-06-01T11:06:38.567Z2025-07-07T03:10:11.048ZS-EPMC119834184021355310.3389/fimmu.2025.1516008