T follicular helper cells in human autoimmunity

Human T follicular helper cells and their impact on IgE and IgG4 production across allergy, malignancy, and IgG4-related disease

Human T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play a crucial role in orchestrating B cell differentiation, maturation, and immunoglobulin class switching. Recent studies have underscored the presence of Bcl-6 + Tfh cells not only in secondary lymphoid organs but also within tertiary lymphoid structures at inflammatory sites, emphasizing their pivotal role in disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, Tfh cells have been found to transit between lesion sites, lymph nodes, and peripheral blood, as revealed by T cell receptor repertoire analysis. Among Tfh subsets, Tfh2 cells have emerged as central orchestrators in driving the production of IgE and IgG4 from B cells. Their critical role in diseases such as allergy, malignancy, and IgG4-related disease highlights their profound impact on balancing inflammation and immune tolerance. Our current review provides the molecular characteristics of human Tfh cells, the differentiation pathways of Tfh subsets, mechanisms by which Tfh subsets induce IgE and IgG4 production, and their clinical implications in allergy, malignancy, and IgG4-related disease.

Resolvin D1 inhibits T follicular helper cell expansion in systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

Resolvin D1 (RvD1) is one of the specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, which control inflammation resolution and regulate immune responses. Previous research showed that RvD1 could block the progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the detailed mechanism remains to be fully understood.

METHOD

Plasma RvD1 levels, and proportions of T follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) were measured in SLE patients and healthy controls. Plasma RvD1 levels and proportions of Tfh cells were quantitated in an MRL/lpr mouse model of lupus treated with RvD1. Naïve CD4+ T cells were purified from MRL/lpr mice to study the effect of RvD1 on Tfh cell differentiation in vitro.

RESULTS

In patients, there were significant negative correlations between plasma RvD1 levels and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, as well as between plasma RvD1 and anti-double-stranded DNA antibody levels, and numbers of peripheral Tfh cells and plasma cells. In MRL/lpr mice, the expected amelioration of disease phenotype and inflammatory response with RvD1 treatment correlated with decreased percentages of Tfh cells and plasma cells. In addition, the differentiation and proliferation of Tfh cells were markedly suppressed by RvD1 in vitro.

CONCLUSION

RvD1 may control SLE progression through the suppression of Tfh cell differentiation and subsequent inhibition of B-cell responses.

Effects of anti-CD20 therapy on circulating and intrathecal follicular helper T cell subsets in multiple sclerosis

Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and their interplay with B cells likely contribute to the pathogenesis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Tfh cells are enriched in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in RRMS, but effects of anti-CD20 therapy are unknown. We investigated Tfh cells in controls, untreated and anti-CD20-treated patients with RRMS using flow cytometry. CSF Tfh cells were increased in untreated patients. Compared to paired blood samples, CD25- Tfh cells were enriched in CSF in RRMS, but not in controls. Contrast-enhancing brain MRI lesions and IgG index correlated with CSF CD25- Tfh cell frequency in untreated patients with RRMS. Anti-CD20 therapy reduced the numbers of circulating PD1+ Tfh cells and CD25- Tfh cells, and the frequency of CSF CD25- Tfh cells. The study suggests that CD25- Tfh cells are recruited to the CSF in RRMS, associated with focal inflammation, and are reduced by anti-CD20 therapy.

Imbalance of Circulating Follicular Regulatory and Follicular Helper T Cell Subpopulations Is Associated with Disease Progression and Serum CYFRA 21-1 Levels in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the changes of follicular helper T (TFH) and follicular regulatory T (TFR) cell subpopulations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and their significance.

METHODS

Peripheral blood was collected from 58 NSCLC patients at different stages and 38 healthy controls. Flow cytometry was used to detect TFH cell subpopulation based on programmed death 1 (PD-1) and inducible co-stimulator (ICOS), and TFR cell subpopulation based on cluster determinant 45RA (CD45RA) and forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3). The levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-17a (IL-17a), interleukin-21 (IL-21), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the plasma were measured, and changes in circulating B cell subsets and plasma IgG levels were also analyzed. The correlation between serum cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) levels and TFH, TFR, or B cell subpopulations was further explored.

RESULTS

The TFR/TFH ratio increased significantly in NSCLC patients. The CD45RA+FoxP3int TFR subsets were increased, with their proportions increasing in stages II to III and decreasing in stage IV. PD-1+ICOS+TFH cells showed a downward trend with increasing stages. Plasma IL-21 and TGF-β concentrations were increased in NSCLC patients compared with healthy controls. Plasmablasts, plasma IgG levels, and CD45RA+FoxP3int TFR cells showed similar trends. TFH numbers and plasmablasts were positively correlated with CYFRA 21-1 in stages I-III and negatively correlated with CYFRA 21-1 in stage IV.

CONCLUSION

Circulating TFH and TFR cell subpopulations and plasmablasts dynamically change in different stages of NSCLC, which is associated with serum CYFRA 21-1 levels and reflects disease progression.

Epigenetic Dysregulation in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease in which immune disorders lead to autoreactive immune responses and cause inflammation and tissue damage. Genetic and environmental factors have been shown to trigger SLE. Recent evidence has also demonstrated that epigenetic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE. Epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in modulating the chromatin structure and regulating gene transcription. Dysregulated epigenetic changes can alter gene expression and impair cellular functions in immune cells, resulting in autoreactive immune responses. Therefore, elucidating the dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms in the immune system is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of SLE. In this paper, we review the important roles of epigenetic disorders in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Definition of follicular helper T cell and cytokines expression in synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the role of synovial fluid (SF) CD4+T, CD19+B, follicular helper cells (Tfh), and cytokines in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

This study enrolled 16 patients with RA and 8 patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The frequencies of the SF CD4+ T, CD19+ B, Tfh cells, and Tfh subsets were assessed using flow cytometry. The medical condition in patients with RA was evaluated using The Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured. The cytokines IL-4, IL-13, IL-21, and BLyS were measured by ELISA test.

RESULTS

The percentages of SF CD4+T, CD19+B, and PD-1+CXCR5+ Tfh in RA patients were higher than those in OA patients. And the Tfh2 was the main subset among Tfh subsets. In addition, levels of IL-21 and BLyS were higher in patients with RA compared to patients with OA. Furthermore, the treatment of TNF-α inhibitors may be associated with decreased levels of SF Tfh.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated SF Tfh, B cell, and cytokines expression profiles were observed in RA patients. Tfh2 was the major subset of the Tfh, and IL-21 and BLyS were significantly enhanced. Additionally, TNF-α inhibitors reduced Tfh in SF. Therefore, Tfh, B, and Tfh2 cells could play a significant role in the progression of RA. Key Points •Tfh cells in the synovial fluid are significantly higher in RA patients and are dominated by the Tfh2 subpopulation. •Synovial fluid Tfh cells decrease in RA patients after anti-TNF-α treatment.

Human PLCG2 haploinsufficiency results in a novel natural killer cell immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND

Although most individuals effectively control herpesvirus infections, some suffer from severe and/or recurrent infections. A subset of these patients possess defects in natural killer (NK) cells, lymphocytes that recognize and lyse herpesvirus-infected cells; however, the genetic etiology is rarely diagnosed. PLCG2 encodes a signaling protein in NK-cell and B-cell signaling. Dominant-negative or gain-of-function variants in PLCG2 cause cold urticaria, antibody deficiency, and autoinflammation. However, loss-of-function variants and haploinsufficiency have not been reported to date.

OBJECTIVES

The investigators aimed to identify the genetic cause of NK-cell immunodeficiency in 2 families and herein describe the functional consequences of 2 novel loss-of-function variants in PLCG2.

METHODS

The investigators employed whole-exome sequencing in conjunction with mass cytometry, microscopy, functional assays, and a mouse model of PLCG2 haploinsufficiency to investigate 2 families with NK-cell immunodeficiency.

RESULTS

The investigators identified novel heterozygous variants in PLCG2 in 2 families with severe and/or recurrent herpesvirus infections. In vitro studies demonstrated that these variants were loss of function due to haploinsufficiency with impaired NK-cell calcium flux and cytotoxicity. In contrast to previous PLCG2 variants, B-cell function remained intact. Plcg2+/- mice also displayed impaired NK-cell function with preserved B-cell function, phenocopying human disease.

CONCLUSIONS

PLCG2 haploinsufficiency represents a distinct syndrome from previous variants characterized by NK-cell immunodeficiency with herpesvirus susceptibility, expanding the spectrum of PLCG2-related disease.

Sodium butyrate alleviates R97-116 peptide-induced myasthenia gravis in mice by improving the gut microbiota and modulating immune response

Fermented butyrate exhibits an anti-inflammatory response to maintain immune homeostasis within the gut. However, the effect and underlying mechanism of butyrate on myasthenia gravis (MG) remain unclear. The changes in the gut microbiota and fecal contents of SCFAs in MG patients were examined. R97-116 peptide was used to induce the experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) mice and sodium butyrate (NaB) was gavaged to the EAMG mice. Gut microbiota, the frequency of Th1, Th17, Treg, Tfh, and B cells, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-17 A, IL-10, IL-21, and anti-R97-116 IgG, RNA-seq of total B cells in the spleen were explored by metagenomics, flow cytometry, ELISA, and transcriptomics. A significant reduction in SCFA-producing bacteria including Butyricimonas synergistica and functional modules including butyrate synthesis/production II was observed in MG patients and fecal SCFAs detection confirmed the increase. The EAMG mice were successfully constructed and NaB supplementation has changed the composition and function of the gut microbiota. The numbers of Th1, Th17, Tfh, and B cells were significantly increased while that of Treg cells was obviously decreased in EAMG mice compared with controls. Interestingly, NaB treatment has reduced the amounts of Th17, Tfh, and B cells but increased that of Treg cells. Accordingly, the levels of IL-17 A, IL-21, and IgG were increased while IL-10 was decreased in EAMG mice. However, NaB treatment reduced IL-17 A and IL-21 but increased that of IL-10. RNA-seq of B cells has revealed 4577 deferentially expressed genes (DEGs), in which 1218 DEGs were up-regulated while 3359 DEGs were down-regulated in NaB-treated EAMG mice. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis unveiled that the function of these DEGs was mainly focused on immunoglobulin production, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex, ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, and CNS diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We have found that butyrate was significantly reduced in MG patients and NaB gavage could evidently improve MG symptoms in EAMG mice by changing the gut microbiota, regulating the immune response, and altering the gene expression and function of B cells, suggesting NaB might be a potential immunomodulatory supplement for MG drugs.

T follicular helper cells and T peripheral helper cells in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

Recent technological progress has greatly advanced our understanding of human immunology. In particular, the discovery of human T follicular helper (Tfh) and T peripheral helper (Tph) cells has significantly advanced our understanding of human adaptive immune system. Tfh and Tph cells share similar molecular characteristics and both play critical roles in B cell differentiation and maturation. However, they differ in their functional properties, such as chemokine receptor expression and cytokine production. As a result, Tfh cells are mainly involved in B cell differentiation and maturation in germinal centres of secondary lymphoid tissues, while Tph cells are involved in B cell differentiation and tissue damage in peripheral inflammatory lesions. Importantly, the involvement of Tfh and Tph cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases has become clear. In rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, Tph cell infiltration is predominant in peripheral inflammatory lesions, whereas Tfh cell infiltration is predominant in the affected lesions of IgG4-related disease. Therefore, the contribution of Tfh and Tph cells to the development of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases varies depending on each disease. In this review, we provide an overview of human Tfh and Tph cells and summarise the latest findings on these novel T cell subsets in various rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

Post-transcriptional checkpoints in autoimmunity

Post-transcriptional regulation is a fundamental process in gene expression that has a role in diverse cellular processes, including immune responses. A core concept underlying post-transcriptional regulation is that protein abundance is not solely determined by transcript abundance. Indeed, transcription and translation are not directly coupled, and intervening steps occur between these processes, including the regulation of mRNA stability, localization and alternative splicing, which can impact protein abundance. These steps are controlled by various post-transcription factors such as RNA-binding proteins and non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, and aberrant post-transcriptional regulation has been implicated in various pathological conditions. Indeed, studies on the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases have identified various post-transcription factors as important regulators of immune cell-mediated and target effector cell-mediated pathological conditions. This Review summarizes current knowledge regarding the roles of post-transcriptional checkpoints in autoimmunity, as evidenced by studies in both haematopoietic and non-haematopoietic cells, and discusses the relevance of these findings for developing new anti-inflammatory therapies.

Involvement of CD40-CD40L and ICOS-ICOSL in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis by targeting eosinophils

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), whose prevalence and pathogenesis are age-related, is characterized by nasal tissue eosinophil infiltration. CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) pathway involves in the eosinophil-mediated inflammation, and inducible co-stimulator (ICOS)-ICOS ligand (ICOSL) signal can strengthen CD40-CD40L interaction. Whether CD40-CD40L and ICOS-ICOSL have a role in the development of CRS remains unknown.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the association of CD40-CD40L and ICOS-ICOSL expression with CRS and underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Immunohistology detected the expression of CD40, CD40L, ICOS, and ICOSL. Immunofluorescence was performed to evaluate the co-localizations of CD40 or ICOSL with eosinophils. Correlations between CD40-CD40L and ICOS-ICOSL as well as clinical parameters were analyzed. Flow cytometry was used to explore the activation of eosinophils by CD69 expression and the CD40 and ICOSL expression on eosinophils.

Results

Compared with the non-eCRS subset, ECRS (eosinophilic CRS) subset showed significantly increased CD40, ICOS, and ICOSL expression. The CD40, CD40L, ICOS, and ICOSL expressions were all positively correlated with eosinophil infiltration in nasal tissues. CD40 and ICOSL were mainly expressed on eosinophils. ICOS expression was significantly correlated with the expression of CD40-CD40L, whereas ICOSL expression was correlated with CD40 expression. ICOS-ICOSL expression positively correlated with blood eosinophils count and disease severity. rhCD40L and rhICOS significantly enhanced the activation of eosinophils from patients with ECRS. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) obviously upregulated CD40 expression on eosinophils, which was significantly inhibited by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor.

Conclusions

Increased CD40-CD40L and ICOS-ICOSL expressions in nasal tissues are linked to eosinophils infiltration and disease severity of CRS. CD40-CD40L and ICOS-ICOSL signals enhance eosinophils activation of ECRS. TNF-α and IL-5 regulate eosinophils function by increasing CD40 expression partly via p38 MAPK activation in patients with CRS.

PD-1highCXCR5-CD4+ peripheral helper T cells promote CXCR3+ plasmablasts in human acute viral infection

T cell-B cell interaction is the key immune response to protect the host from severe viral infection. However, how T cells support B cells to exert protective humoral immunity in humans is not well understood. Here, we use COVID-19 as a model of acute viral infections and analyze CD4+ T cell subsets associated with plasmablast expansion and clinical outcome. Peripheral helper T cells (Tph cells; denoted as PD-1highCXCR5-CD4+ T cells) are significantly increased, as are plasmablasts. Tph cells exhibit "B cell help" signatures and induce plasmablast differentiation in vitro. Interestingly, expanded plasmablasts show increased CXCR3 expression, which is positively correlated with higher frequency of activated Tph cells and better clinical outcome. Mechanistically, Tph cells help B cell differentiation and produce more interferon γ (IFNγ), which induces CXCR3 expression on plasmablasts. These results elucidate a role for Tph cells in regulating protective B cell response during acute viral infection.

An Immunogenic Cell Death-Related Gene Signature Reflects Immune Landscape and Predicts Prognosis in Melanoma Independently of BRAF V600E Status

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a type of regulated cell death that can activate adaptive immune response, and its ability to reshape the tumor microenvironment via multiple mechanisms may contribute to immunotherapy. The treatment options for patients with skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) vary based on BRAF V600E statuses. However, all standard treatments include immunotherapy. Therefore, it is critical to identify ICD-associated signatures that can help classify patients according to benefits from ICD immunotherapy. In this study, data on melanoma samples with BRAF V600E mutation (BRAF V600E-mutant melanoma) and melanoma samples with wild-type BRAF V600E alleles (BRAF V600E WT melanoma) were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The ICD-related (ICD-high and ICD-low) subgroups of patients with BRAF V600E WT melanoma were established via consensus clustering. The analyses of survival, differentially expressed genes (DEGs), functional annotation, and immune landscape were performed in these two subgroups. Results showed that ICD-high subgroup was correlated with a positive overall survival (OS) and active tumor immune landscape. A model comprising seven prognosis ICD-related gene biomarkers was developed. Survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve evaluation in both cohorts with BRAF V600E WT and BRAF V600E-mutant melanoma showed an accurate prognostic estimation of ICD-related risk signature. There was a correlation between immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy response and risk score. Thus, the ICD risk signature was closely associated with the tumor's immune microenvironment. Our results may provide insights to further individualize and improve precision therapeutic decision-making in BRAF V600E-mutant and WT melanoma.

TLR7 and IgM: Dangerous Partners in Autoimmunity

The B cell antigen receptor (BCR)-repertoire is capable of recognizing a nearly unlimited number of antigens. Inevitably, the random nature of antibody gene segment rearrangement, needed in order to provide mature B cells, will generate autoreactive specificities. Once tolerance mechanisms fail to block the activation and differentiation of autoreactive B cells, harmful autoantibodies may get secreted establishing autoimmune diseases. Besides the hallmark of autoimmunity, namely IgG autoantibodies, IgM autoantibodies are also found in many autoimmune diseases. In addition to pathogenic functions of secreted IgM the IgM-BCR expressing B cell might be the initial check-point where, in conjunction with innate receptor signals, B cell mediated autoimmunity starts it fateful course. Recently, pentameric IgM autoantibodies have been shown to contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), pemphigus or autoimmune neuropathy. Further, recent studies suggest differences in the recognition of autoantigen by IgG and IgM autoantibodies, or propose a central role of anti-ACE2-IgM autoantibodies in severe COVID-19. However, exact mechanisms still remain to be uncovered in detail. This article focuses on summarizing recent findings regarding the importance of autoreactive IgM in establishing autoimmune diseases.

T follicular helper cells and T follicular regulatory cells in autoimmune diseases

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are heterogeneous and mainly characterized by expressing surface markers CXCR5, ICOS, and PD-1; cytokine IL-21; and transcription factor Bcl6. They are crucial for B-cell differentiation into long-lived plasma cells and high-affinity antibody production. T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells were described to express markers of conventional T regulatory (Treg) cells and Tfh cells and were able to suppress Tfh-cell and B-cell responses. Evidence has revealed that the dysregulation of Tfh and Tfr cells is positively associated with the pathogenic processes of autoimmune diseases. Herein, we briefly introduce the phenotype, differentiation, and function of Tfh and Tfr cells, and review their potential roles in autoimmune diseases. In addition, we discuss perspectives to develop novel therapies targeting Tfh/Tfr balance.

Costimulation blockade in combination with IL-2 permits regulatory T cell sparing immunomodulation that inhibits autoimmunity

Blockade of CD28 costimulation with CTLA-4-Ig/Abatacept is used to dampen effector T cell responses in autoimmune and transplantation settings. However, a significant drawback of this approach is impaired regulatory T cell homeostasis that requires CD28 signaling. Therefore, strategies that restrict the effects of costimulation blockade to effector T cells would be advantageous. Here we probe the relative roles of CD28 and IL-2 in maintaining Treg. We find provision of IL-2 counteracts the regulatory T cell loss induced by costimulation blockade while minimally affecting the conventional T cell compartment. These data suggest that combining costimulation blockade with IL-2 treatment may selectively impair effector T cell responses while maintaining regulatory T cells. Using a mouse model of autoimmune diabetes, we show combined therapy supports regulatory T cell homeostasis and protects from disease. These findings are recapitulated in humanised mice using clinically relevant reagents and provide an exemplar for rational use of a second immunotherapy to offset known limitations of the first.

MiR-29a-3p negatively regulates circulating Tfh memory cells in patients with Graves’ disease by targeting ICOS

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding RNAs that regulate genome expression posttranscriptionally and are involved in autoimmune diseases. Previous studies have indicated that follicular helper T (Tfh) cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease (GD). However, the molecular mechanisms that contribute to circulating Tfh memory cell response in GD patients remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of miRNAs on circulating Tfh memory cells in GD patients. Herein, our data showed that the proportion of circulating Tfh memory cells, the transcript levels of IL-21, and the plasma concentrations of IL-21 were increased in the peripheral blood from GD patients. We also found that inducible co-stimulator (ICOS) expression, an important molecule expressed on Tfh cells, were significantly augmented in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from GD patients and positively correlated with the percentage of circulating Tfh memory cells and the transcript levels of IL-21 in GD. Intriguingly, miRNA sequencing screened miR-29a-3p expression was downregulated and inversely correlated with ICOS expression and the frequency of circulating Tfh memory cells in patients with GD. Luciferase assay demonstrated that ICOS was the direct target gene of miR-29a-3p, and miR-29a-3p could inhibit ICOS at both transcriptional and translational levels. Overexpression of miR-29a-3p reduced the proportion of circulating Tfh memory cells. Moreover, miR-29a-3p expression negatively correlated with serum concentrations of TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) in GD patients. Collectively, our results demonstrate that miR-29a-3p emerges as a post-transcriptional brake to limit circulating Tfh memory cell response in GD patients and may be involved in the pathogenesis of GD.

Multiple Sclerosis CSF Is Enriched With Follicular T Cells Displaying a Th1/Eomes Signature

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Tertiary lymphoid structures and aggregates are reported in the meninges of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), especially at the progressive stage, and are strongly associated with cortical lesions and disability. Besides B cells, these structures comprise follicular helper T (Tfh) cells that are crucial to support B-cell differentiation. Tfh cells play a pivotal role in amplifying autoreactive B cells and promoting autoantibody production in several autoimmune diseases, but very few are known in MS. In this study, we examined the phenotype, frequency, and transcriptome of circulating cTfh cells in the blood and CSF of patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).

METHODS

The phenotype and frequency of cTfh cells were analyzed in the blood of 39 healthy controls and 41 untreated patients with RRMS and in the CSF and paired blood of 10 patients with drug-naive RRMS at diagnosis by flow cytometry. Using an in vitro model of blood-brain barrier, we assessed the transendothelial migratory abilities of the different cTfh-cell subsets. Finally, we performed an RNA sequencing analysis of paired CSF cTfh cells and blood cTfh cells in 8 patients sampled at their first demyelinating event.

RESULTS

The blood phenotype and frequency of cTfh cells were not significantly modified in patients with RRMS. In the CSF, we found an important infiltration of Tfh1 cells, with a high proportion of activated PD1⁺ cells. We demonstrated that the specific subset of Tfh1 cells presents increased migration abilities to cross an in vitro model of blood-brain barrier. Of interest, even at the first demyelinating event, cTfh cells in the CSF display specific characteristics with upregulation of EOMES gene and proinflammatory/cytotoxic transcriptomic signature able to efficiently distinguish cTfh cells from the CSF and blood. Finally, interactome analysis revealed potential strong cross talk between pathogenic B cells and CSF cTfh cells, pointing out the CSF as opportune supportive compartment and highlighting the very early implication of B-cell helper T cells in MS pathogenesis.

DISCUSSION

Overall, CSF enrichment in activated Tfh1 as soon as disease diagnosis, associated with high expression of EOMES, and a predicted high propensity to interact with CSF B cells suggest that these cells probably contribute to disease onset and/or activity.

Impaired TIGIT expression on B cells drives circulating follicular helper T cell expansion in multiple sclerosis

B cell depletion in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) markedly prevents new MRI-detected lesions and disease activity, suggesting the hypothesis that altered B cell function leads to the activation of T cells driving disease pathogenesis. Here, we performed comprehensive analyses of CD40 ligand- (CD40L-) and IL-21-stimulated memory B cells from patients with MS and healthy age-matched controls, modeling the help of follicular helper T cells (Tfh cells), and found a differential gene expression signature in multiple B cell pathways. Most striking was the impaired TIGIT expression on MS-derived B cells mediated by dysregulation of the transcription factor TCF4. Activated circulating Tfh cells (cTfh cells) expressed CD155, the ligand of TIGIT, and TIGIT on B cells revealed their capacity to suppress the proliferation of IL-17-producing cTfh cells via the TIGIT/CD155 axis. Finally, CCR6+ cTfh cells were significantly increased in patients with MS, and their frequency was inversely correlated with that of TIGIT+ B cells. Together, these data suggest that the dysregulation of negative feedback loops between TIGIT+ memory B cells and cTfh cells in MS drives the activated immune system in this disease.

Altered Circulating Follicular T Helper Cell Subsets and Follicular T Regulatory Cells Are Indicators of a Derailed B Cell Response in Lupus, Which Could Be Modified by Targeting IL-21R

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the breakdown of self-tolerance, the production of high-affinity pathogenic autoantibodies and derailed B cell responses, which indicates the importance of central players, such as follicular T helper (TFH) subsets and follicular T regulatory (TFR) cells, in the pathomechanism of the disease. In this study, we aimed to analyze the distribution of the circulating counterparts of these cells and their association with disease characteristics and B cell disproportions in SLE. We found that the increased percentage of activated circulating TFH (cTFH) and cTFR cells was more pronounced in cutaneous lupus; however, among cTFH subsets, the frequency of cTFH17 cells was decreased in patients with lupus nephritis. Furthermore, the decreased proportion of cTFH17 cells was associated with low complement C4 levels and high disease activity scores. We also investigated whether the blocking of the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) with an anti-IL-21R monoclonal antibody inhibits the B cell response, since IL-21 primarily produced by TFH cells potentially promotes humoral immunity. We observed that anti-IL-21R inhibited plasmablast generation and immunoglobulin production. Our study demonstrated that, besides cTFR/cTFH imbalance, cTFH17 cells play a crucial role in SLE pathogenesis, and modulating cTFH-B cell interaction through the IL-21/IL-21R pathway may be a promising therapeutic strategy to suppress the pathological B cell response.

Non-cytotoxic functions of CD8 T cells: “repentance of a serial killer”

Cytotoxic CD8 T cells (CTLs) are classically described as the “serial killers” of the immune system, where they play a pivotal role in protective immunity against a wide spectrum of pathogens and tumors. Ironically, they are critical drivers of transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases, a scenario very similar to the famous novel “The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”. Until recently, it has not been well-appreciated whether CTLs can also acquire non-cytotoxic functions in health and disease. Several investigations into this question revealed their non-cytotoxic functions through interactions with various immune and non-immune cells. In this review, we will establish a new classification for CD8 T cell functions including cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic. Further, we will discuss this novel concept and speculate on how these functions could contribute to homeostasis of the immune system as well as immunological responses in transplantation, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) expression distinguishes self-reactive helper T cells in systemic autoimmune disease

Pathogenic T helper cells (Th cells) that respond to self-antigen cannot be easily distinguished from beneficial Th cells. These cells can generate systemic autoimmune disease in response to widely expressed self-antigens. In this study, we have identified neuropilin-1 (NRP1) as a cell surface marker of self-reactive Th cells. NRP1⁺ Th cells, absent in non-regulatory T cell subsets in normal mice, appeared in models of systemic autoimmune disease and strongly correlated with disease symptoms. NRP1⁺ Th cells were greatly reduced in Nr4a2 cKO mice, which have reduced self-reactive responses but showed normal responses against exogenous antigens. Transfer of NRP1⁺ Th cells was sufficient to initiate or accelerate systemic autoimmune disease, and targeting NRP1-expressing Th cells therapeutically ameliorated SLE-like autoimmune symptoms in BXSB-Yaa mice. Peripheral NRP1⁺ Th cells were significantly increased in human SLE patients. Our data suggest that self-reactive Th cells can be phenotypically distinguished within the Th cell pool. These findings offer a novel approach to identify self-reactive Th cells and target them to treat systemic autoimmune disease.

Humoral and cellular immune responses to CoronaVac assessed up to one year after vaccination

Background

The Sinovac SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac) has been demonstrated to be safe, well tolerated, and efficacious in preventing mild and severe Covid-19. Although different studies have demonstrated its short-term immunogenicity, long-term cellular and humoral response evaluations are still lacking.

Methods

Cellular and humoral responses were assessed after enrollment of volunteers in the PROFISCOV phase 3 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate CoronaVac. Assays were performed using flow cytometry to evaluate cellular immune response and an antigen binding electrochemiluminescence assay to detect antigen-specific antibodies to the virus.

Results

Fifty-three volunteers were selected for long term assessment of their SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses. CD4 + T cell responses (including circulating follicular helper (cTfh, CD45RA - CXCR5 + ) expressing CD40L, as well as non-cTfh cells expressing CXCR3) were observed early upon the first vaccine dose, increased after the second dose, remaining stable for 6-months. Memory CD4 + T cells were detected in almost all vaccinees, the majority being central memory T cells. IgG levels against Wuhan/WH04/2020 N, S and receptor binding domain (RBD) antigens and the variants of concern (VOCs, including B.1.1.7/Alpha, B.1.351/Beta and P.1/Gamma) S and RBD antigens peaked 14 days after the second vaccine shot, and were mostly stable for a 1-year period.

Conclusions

CoronaVac two-doses regimen is able to induce a potent and durable SARS-CoV-2 specific cellular response. The cellular reaction is part of a coordinated immune response that includes high levels of specific IgG levels against parental and SARS-CoV-2 VOC strains, still detected after one year.

Funding

Fundação Butantan, Instituto Butantan and São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) (grants 2020/10127-1 and 2020/06409-1). This work has also been supported by NIH contract 75N93019C00065 (A.S, D.W). PATH facilitated reagent donations for this work with support by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (INV-021239). Under the grant conditions of the foundation, a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 generic License has already been assigned to the Author Accepted Manuscript version that might arise from this submission.

Alterations in B- and circulating T-follicular helper cell subsets in immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Abnormal B-cell phenotype in acute iTTP with decreased transitional and post–germinal center memory cells and increased plasmablasts.

Decreased total and PD1⁺ circulating T-follicular helper cells and changes in B-cell CD80 expression suggest altered B- and T-cell interactions.

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells regulate development of antigen-specific B-cell immunity. We prospectively investigated B-cell and circulating Tfh (cTfh) cell subsets in 45 patients with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) at presentation and longitudinally after rituximab (RTX). B-cell phenotype was altered at acute iTTP presentation with decreased transitional cells and post–germinal center (post-GC) memory B cells and increased plasmablasts compared with healthy controls. A higher percentage of plasmablasts was associated with higher anti-ADAMTS13 IgG and lower ADAMTS13 antigen levels. In asymptomatic patients with ADAMTS13 relapse, there were increased naïve B cells and a global decrease in memory subsets, with a trend to increased plasmablasts. Total circulating Tfh (CD4⁺CXCR5⁺) and PD1⁺ Tfh cells were decreased at iTTP presentation. CD80 expression was decreased on IgD⁺ memory cells and double-negative memory cells in acute iTTP. At repopulation after B-cell depletion in de novo iTTP, post-GC and double-negative memory B cells were reduced compared with pre-RTX. RTX did not cause alteration in cTfh cell frequency. The subsequent kinetics of naïve, transitional, memory B cells and plasmablasts did not differ significantly between patients who went on to relapse vs those who remained in remission. In summary, acute iTTP is characterized by dysregulation of B- and cTfh cell homeostasis with depletion of post-GC memory cells and cTfh cells and increased plasmablasts. Changes in CD80 expression on B cells further suggest altered interactions with T cells.

Sirolimus therapy restores the PD-1+ICOS+Tfh:CD45RA-Foxp3high activated Tfr cell balance in primary Sjögren's syndrome

BACKGROUND

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a common chronic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of salivary and lacrimal glands. The current study was performed to investigate the roles of follicular helper T (Tfh) and follicular regulatory T (Tfr) subsets in patients with pSS, and to evaluate the effects of sirolimus on these cells.

METHODS

Levels of circulating Tfh and Tfr subsets in 58 pSS patients and 26 healthy controls (HC) were determined by flow cytometry. These T cell subsets were also analyzed in 12 patients before and after treatment with sirolimus. Clinical features and correlations with follicular T cells were analyzed systematically. The discriminative ability of the cells and ratios was evaluated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

Patients with pSS had higher percentage and absolute number of PD-1+ICOS+Tfh cells, while lower percentage and absolute number of Tfr, activated regulatory T (aTreg) cells, and CD45RA-Foxp3^high activated Tfr cells. Furthermore, increased number of PD-1+ICOS+Tfh cells was associated with B cells, while decreased numbers of Tfr and their subsets was strongly associated with aTreg cells in pSS patients. Also, the higher proportion of PD-1+ICOS+Tfh cells was positively correlated with higher level of autoantibodies, ESR, IgG, cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-21 and sIL-2αR), and disease activity. Unexpectedly, the elevated PD-1+ICOS+Tfh:CD45RA-Foxp3^high activated Tfr ratio had the greatest ability to discriminate between pSS and HC, and sirolimus therapy restored the PD-1+ICOS+Tfh cells:CD45RA-Foxp3^high activated Tfr ratio, and controlled disease activity.

CONCLUSION

The novel ratio of PD-1+ICOS+Tfh to CD45RA-Foxp3^high activated Tfr cells can effectively discriminate the pSS patients from controls, and Tfr cell subsets may resemble Treg cell lineages. Furthermore, the PD-1+ICOS+Tfh cells can be used as a biomarker of disease activity and to verify the therapeutic effects of sirolimus in pSS.

The Role of Epigenetics in Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a rare autoimmune disease of the liver, affecting mostly females. There is evidence that epigenetic changes have a pathogenic role in PBC. Epigenetic modifications are related to methylation of CpG DNA islands, post-translational modifications of histone proteins, and non-coding RNAs. In PBC, there are data showing a dysregulation of all these levels, especially in immune cells. In addition, epigenetics seems to be involved in complex phenomena such as X monosomy or abnormalities in the process of X chromosome inactivation, which have been reported in PBC and appear to influence its sex imbalance and pathogenesis. We review here historical data on epigenetic modifications in PBC, present new data, and discuss possible links among X-chromosome abnormalities at a genetic and epigenetic level, PBC pathogenesis, and PBC sex imbalance.

Increased Frequency of CD4+ Follicular Helper T and CD8+ Follicular T Cells in Human Lymph Node Biopsies during the Earliest Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Follicular T helper cells (Tfh cells) provide key B-cell help and are essential in germinal center formation and (auto) antibody generation. To gain more insight into their role during the earliest phase of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we analyzed their frequencies, phenotypes, and cytokine profiles in peripheral blood and lymph node biopsies of healthy controls (HCs), autoantibody-positive individuals at risk for developing RA (RA-risk individuals), and early RA patients. Subsequently, we confirmed their presence in lymph nodes and synovial tissue of RA patients using immunofluorescence microscopy. In the blood, the frequency of Tfh cells did not differ between study groups. In lymphoid and synovial tissues, Tfh cells were localized in B-cell areas, and their frequency correlated with the frequency of CD19⁺ B cells. Compared to lymphoid tissues of healthy controls, those of RA patients and RA-risk individuals showed more CD19⁺ B cells, CD4⁺CXCR5⁺ follicular helper T cells, and CD8⁺CXCR5⁺ follicular T cells. These Tfh cells produced less IL-21 upon ex vivo stimulation. These findings suggest that Tfh cells may present a novel rationale for therapeutic targeting during the preclinical stage of RA to prevent further disease progression.

The link between circulating follicular helper T cells and autoimmunity

Follicular helper T (T_FH) cells provide help to B cells, supporting the formation of germinal centres that allow affinity maturation of antibody responses. Although usually located in secondary lymphoid organs, T cells bearing features of T_FH cells can also be identified in human blood, and their frequency and phenotype are often altered in people with autoimmune diseases. In this Perspective article, I discuss the increase in circulating T_FH cells seen in autoimmune settings and explore potential explanations for this phenomenon. I consider the multistep regulation of T_FH cell differentiation by the CTLA4 and IL-2 pathways as well as by regulatory T cells and highlight that these same pathways are crucial for regulating autoimmune diseases. The propensity of infection to serve as a cue for T_FH cell differentiation and a potential trigger for autoimmune disease development is also discussed. Overall, I postulate that alterations in pathways that regulate autoimmunity are coupled to alterations in T_FH cell homeostasis, suggesting that this population may serve as a core sentinel of dysregulated immunity.

OX40-Fc Fusion Protein Alleviates PD-1-Fc-Aggravated Rheumatoid Arthritis by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response

BACKGROUND

Researches have confirmed that the abnormal signals of OX40 and PD-1 lead to the changes of T cell biological behavior, thus participating the immunopathological process of RA. However, the pathogenesis of RA immunopathological process has not been clarified yet.

METHODS

30 DBA/1 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (6 mice per group): control group, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) group, PD-1-Fc/CIA group, OX40-Fc/CIA group, and PD-1-Fc + OX40-Fc/CIA group. The pathological changes in mice joints were observed by H&E staining. The proportion of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, CD28+, and CD19+ cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was detected by flow cytometry. Serum inflammatory factors (CRP, IL-2, IL-4, IL-1β, INF-γ) and bone metabolism-related genes (CTX-I, TRACP-5b, BALP) were detected by ELISA assay. Western blotting was applied to measure the NF-κB signaling pathway-related protein (p-IKKβ, p-IκBα, p50) expression in synovial tissue of mice joint.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, CIA mice showed significant increases in arthritis score and pathological score. In the CIA group, a marked decrease was identified in the proportion of CD8+ T, CD19+, and CD68+ cells. Additionally, the CIA group was associated with upregulation of secretion of inflammatory factors in serum and expression of bone metabolism-related genes and NF-κB pathway-related proteins. Compared with the CIA group, the same indexes above showed a further aggravation in the PD-1-Fc group while all indexes improved in the OX40-Fc group. Besides, OX40-Fc fusion protein slowed down significantly the further deterioration of CIA mouse pathological process caused by PD-1-Fc fusion protein.

CONCLUSION

OX40-Fc fusion protein alleviates PD-1-Fc-aggravated RA by inhibiting inflammatory response. This research provides biological markers with clinical significance for diagnosis and prognosis of RA, as well as offers theoretical and experimental foundation to the new targets for immune intervention.

Altered levels of circulating CD8+CXCR5+PD-1+T follicular cytotoxic cells in primary Sjögren's syndrome

BACKGROUND

Circulating CD8⁺ T-cells expressing the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5) (CD8⁺CXCR5⁺T), a recently identified follicular cytotoxic T cell subset, are involved in antiviral immunity and autoimmunity, but their abundance and role in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) are unknown.

METHODS

Circulating CD8⁺CXCR5⁺T cell and CD8⁺ regulatory T cells (CD8⁺Treg) were evaluated in 49 pSS patients (19 patients with pulmonary involvement) and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) by flow cytometry. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was performed, and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were generated to identify characteristic cell subsets. Spearman's correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between CD8⁺ T cell subsets and clinical features.

RESULTS

The proportions and numbers of CD8⁺CXCR5⁺, CD8 + CXCR5⁺ programmed death 1-positive (PD-1⁺), and CD8⁺CXCR5^-PD-1⁺T cells were significantly higher, whereas those of CD8⁺Treg were markedly lower, in pSS patients than HCs. The CD8⁺CXCR5⁺PD-1⁺T cell to CD8⁺Treg ratio had the greatest discriminatory power for pSS and HCs according to OPLS-DA and ROC analyses. The increased numbers of CD8⁺CXCR5⁺T cells and CD8⁺CXCR5⁺PD-1⁺T cells were strongly associated with those of CD4⁺CXCR5⁺T and B cells. The proportions and numbers of CD8⁺CXCR5⁺PD-1⁺T cells were increased in pSS patients with lung involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a new CD8⁺CXCR5⁺PD-1⁺T subset, which was increased in abundance in pSS patients, particularly those with lung involvement, compared with HCs. Also, the CD8⁺CXCR5⁺PD-1⁺T to CD8⁺Treg ratio may be useful for identifying pSS. Our findings suggest that targeting follicular CD8⁺T cell subsets has therapeutic potential for pSS. Key Points • CD8+CXCR5+ T cells were expanded in the circulation of patients with pSS. • Reduced numbers CD8+Treg cells in pSS patients. • Increased CD8+CXCR5+PD-1+T cells in pSS patients with pulmonary involvement.

Targeting Bcl6 in the TREX1 D18N murine model ameliorates autoimmunity by modulating T follicular helper cells and Germinal center B cells

The Three Prime Repair EXonuclease I (TREX1) is critical for degrading post‐apoptosis DNA. Mice expressing catalytically inactive TREX1 (TREX1 D18N) develop lupus‐like autoimmunity due to chronic sensing of undegraded TREX1 DNA substrates, production of the inflammatory cytokines, and the inappropriate activation of innate and adaptive immunity. This study aimed to investigate Thelper (Th) dysregulation in the TREX1 D18N model system as a potential mechanism for lupus‐like autoimmunity. Comparison of immune cells in secondary lymphoid organs, spleen and peripheral lymph nodes (LNs) between TREX1 D18N mice and the TREX1 null mice revealed that the TREX1 D18N mice exhibit a Th1 bias. Additionally, the T‐follicular helper cells (Tfh) and the germinal celter (GC) B cells were also elevated in the TREX1 D18N mice. Targeting Bcl6, a lineage‐defining transcription factor for Tfh and GC B cells, with a commercially available Bcl6 inhibitor, FX1, attenuated Tfh, GC, and Th1 responses, and rescued TREX1 D18N mice from autoimmunity. The study presents Tfh and GC B‐cell responses as potential targets in autoimmunity and that Bcl6 inhibitors may offer therapeutic approach in TREX1‐associated or other lupus‐like diseases.

The Frequency of Intrathyroidal Follicular Helper T Cells Varies with the Progression of Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Objective

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), mainly Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), are common organ-specific autoimmune diseases characterized by circulating antibodies and lymphocyte infiltration. Follicular helper T (Tfh) cell dysregulation is involved in the development of autoimmune pathologies. We aimed to explore the role of intrathyroidal and circulating Tfh cells in patients with GD and HT.

Methods

Ultrasound-guided thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was conducted in 35 patients with GD, 40 patients with HT, and 22 patients with nonautoimmune thyroid disease (nAITD). Peripheral blood samples were also obtained from 40 patients with GD, 40 patients with HT, and 40 healthy controls. The frequencies of intrathyroidal and circulating Tfh cells from FNA and peripheral blood samples were assessed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the correlations between the frequencies of the Tfh cells and the levels of autoantibodies and hormones or disease duration were analyzed.

Results

The frequency of intrathyroidal CD4⁺CXCR5⁺ICOS^high Tfh cells was higher in HT patients than in GD patients. Significant correlations were identified between the percentages of circulating and intrathyroidal Tfh cells and the serum concentrations of thyroid autoantibodies, especially thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), in AITD. Intrathyroidal CD4⁺CXCR5⁺ICOS^high Tfh cells were positively correlated with free triiodothyronine (FT3) in HT patients but negatively correlated with FT3 in GD patients. In addition, HT patients with a longer disease duration had an increased frequency of intrathyroidal CD4⁺CXCR5⁺ICOS^high and CD4⁺CXCR5⁺PD-1⁺ Tfh cells. In contrast, in the GD patients, a longer disease duration did not affect the frequency of intrathyroidal CD4⁺CXCR5⁺ICOS^high but was associated with a lower frequency of CD4⁺CXCR5⁺PD-1⁺ Tfh cells.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that intrathyroidal Tfh cells might play a role in the pathogenesis of AITD and they are potential immunobiomarkers for AITD.

Adaptive tolerance: Protection through self-recognition

The random nature of immunoglobulin gene segment rearrangement inevitably leads to the generation of self-reactive B cells. Avoidance of destructive autoimmune reactions is necessary in order to maintain physiological homeostasis. However, current central and peripheral tolerance concepts fail to explain the massive number of autoantibody-borne autoimmune diseases. Moreover, recent studies have shown that in physiological mouse models autoreactive B cells were neither clonally deleted nor kept in an anergic state, but were instead able to mount autoantibody responses. We propose that activation of autoreactive B cells is induced by polyvalent autoantigen complexes that can occur under physiological conditions. Repeated encounter of autoantigen complexes leads to the production of affinity-matured autoreactive IgM that protects its respective self-targets from degradation. We refer to this novel mechanism as adaptive tolerance. This article discusses the discovery of adaptive tolerance and the unexpected role of high affinity IgM autoantibodies.

Large cell morphology, CMYC+ tumour cells, and PD-1+ tumour cell/intense PD-L1+ cell reactions are important prognostic factors in nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas with T follicular helper markers

BACKGROUND

The clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors in nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) with two or more T follicular helper markers (TFH+) are not adequately investigated.

METHODS

Immunohistologically, we selected 22 patients with TFH+ lymphoma (PTCL-TFH) in 47 of PTCL-not otherwise specified (NOS), and subclassified into large and small cell groups. We compared the two groups with 39 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and seven follicular T-cell lymphoma (F-TCL) patients. Prognostic factors were analysed by overall survival in patients with three types of TFH+ PTCLs.

RESULTS

Thirteen large cell and nine small cell PTCL-TFH patients had more than two TFH markers including programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Large cell PTCL-TFH showed frequent CMYC expression in 10 patients (77%), and four of 11 large cell group (36%) had somatic RHOA G17V gene mutation by Sanger sequencing. Large cell PTCL-TFH patients showed significantly worse prognosis than those of the small cell group, AITL, and F-TCL (p < 0.05). In TFH+ PTCLs, CMYC+ tumour cells, and combined PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) + tumour cells and intense reaction of PD-L1+ non-neoplastic cells (high PD-L1+ cell group) were significantly poor prognostic factors (p < 0.05). Combinations of CMYC+ or PD-1+ tumour cells and high PD-L1+ cell group indicated significantly poor prognosis (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Large cell PTCL-TFH indicated poor prognosis in TFH+ PTCLs. These data suggested that CMYC+ tumour cells and intense PD-L1+ cell reaction influenced tumour cell progression in TFH+ PTCLs, and PD-1+ tumour cell/intense PD-L1+ cell reactions may play a role in immune evasion.

Distinct genomic features across cytolytic subgroups in skin melanoma

BACKGROUND

Skin melanoma is a highly immunogenic cancer. The intratumoral immune cytolytic activity (CYT) reflects the ability of cytotoxic T and NK cells to eliminate cancer cells, and is associated with improved patient survival. Despite the enthusiastic clinical results seen in advanced-stage metastatic melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a subgroup of them will later relapse and develop acquired resistance. We questioned whether CYT associates with different genomic profiles and thus, patient outcome, in skin melanoma.

METHODS

We explored the TCGA-SKCM dataset and stratified patients to distinct subgroups of cytolytic activity. The tumor immune contexture, somatic mutations and recurrent copy number aberrations were calculated using quanTIseq, MutSigCV and GISTIC2. Chromothriptic events were explored using CTLPScanner and cancer neoepitopes were predicted with antigen garnish. Each tumor's immunophenoscore was calculated using Immunophenogram. Mutational signatures and kataegis were explored using SigProfiler and compared to the known single or doublet base substitution signatures from COSMIC.

RESULTS

Metastatic skin melanomas had significantly higher CYT levels compared to primary tumors. We assessed enrichment for immune-related gene sets within CYT-high tumors, whereas, CYT-low tumors were enriched for non-immune related gene sets. In addition, distinct mutational and neoantigen loads, primarily composed of C > T transitions, along with specific types of copy number aberrations, characterized each cytolytic subgroup. We found a broader pattern of chromothripsis across CYT-low tumors, where chromosomal regions harboring chromothriptic events, contained a higher number of cancer genes. SBS7a/b, SBS5 and SBS1 were the most prevalent mutational signatures across both cytolytic subgroups, but SBS1 differed significantly between them. SBS7a/b was mutually exclusive with SBS5 and SBS1 in both CYT subgroups. CYT-high patients had markedly higher immunophenoscore, suggesting that they should display a clinical benefit upon treatment with immune checkpoint inhibition therapy, compared to CYT-low patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our data highlight the existence of distinct genomic features across cytolytic subgroups in skin melanoma, which might affect the patients' relapse rate or their acquisition of resistance to immune checkpoint inhibition therapies.

Interplay of immune and kidney resident cells in the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures in lupus nephritis

Kidney involvement confers significant morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN) involves diverse mechanisms instigated by elements of the autoimmune response which alter the biology of kidney resident cells. Processes in the glomeruli and in the interstitium may proceed independently albeit crosstalk between the two is inevitable. Podocytes, mesangial cells, tubular epithelial cells, kidney resident macrophages and stromal cells with input from cytokines and autoantibodies present in the circulation alter the expression of enzymes, produce cytokines and chemokines which lead to their injury and damage of the kidney. Several of these molecules can be targeted independently to prevent and reverse kidney failure. Tertiary lymphoid structures with true germinal centers are present in the kidneys of patients with lupus nephritis and have been increasingly recognized to associate with poorer renal outcomes. Stromal cells, tubular epithelial cells, high endothelial vessel and lymphatic venule cells produce chemokines which enable the formation of structures composed of a T-cell-rich zone with mature dendritic cells next to a B-cell follicle with the characteristics of a germinal center surrounded by plasma cells. Following an overview on the interaction of the immune cells with kidney resident cells, we discuss the cellular and molecular events which lead to the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures in the interstitium of the kidneys of mice and patients with lupus nephritis. In parallel, molecules and processes that can be targeted therapeutically are presented.

Dysregulation of TFH-B-TRM lymphocyte cooperation is associated with unfavorable anti-PD-1 responses in EGFR-mutant lung cancer

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations exhibit an unfavorable response to PD-1 inhibitor through unclear mechanisms. Hypothesizing that EGFR mutations alter tumor-immune interactions, we compare tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes between EGFR mutant (EGFR-MT) and wild type (EGFR-WT) tumors through single-cell transcriptomic analysis. We find that B cells, CXCL13-producing follicular helper CD4⁺ T (T_FH)-like cells, and tissue-resident memory CD8⁺ T (T_RM)-like cells decreased in EGFR-MT tumors. The NOTCH-RBPJ regulatory network, which is vital for persistence of T_RM state, is perturbed, and the interactions between T_FH and B cells through the CXCL13-CXCR5 axis disappear in EGFR-MT tumors. Notably, the proportion of T_RM-like cells is predictive for anti-PD-1 response in NSCLC. Our findings suggest that the impairment of T_FH-B-T_RM cooperation in tertiary lymphoid structure formation, accompanied by the dysregulation of T_RM homeostasis and the loss of T_FH-B crosstalk, underlies unfavorable anti-PD-1 response in EGFR-MT lung tumors.

Direct tissue-sensing reprograms TLR4+ Tfh-like cells inflammatory profile in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients

CD4⁺ T cells mediate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis through both antibody-dependent and independent mechanisms. It remains unclear how synovial microenvironment impinges on CD4⁺ T cells pathogenic functions. Here, we identified a TLR4⁺ follicular helper T (Tfh) cell-like population present in the blood and expanded in synovial fluid. TLR4⁺ T cells possess a two-pronged pathogenic activity whereby direct TLR4⁺ engagement by endogenous ligands in the arthritic joint reprograms them from an IL-21 response, known to sponsor antibody production towards an IL-17 inflammatory program recognized to fuel tissue damage. Ex vivo, synovial fluid TLR4⁺ T cells produced IL-17, but not IL-21. Blocking TLR4 signaling with a specific inhibitor impaired IL-17 production in response to synovial fluid recognition. Mechanistically, we unveiled that T-cell HLA-DR regulates their TLR4 expression. TLR4⁺ T cells appear to uniquely reconcile an ability to promote systemic antibody production with a local synovial driven tissue damage program.

In order to identify how the synovial microenvironment impinges on CD4+ T cells pathogenic functions in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Amaral-Silva examined RA patient blood and synovial fluif and identified the presence of a TLR4+ follicular helper T (Tfh) cell-like population. They provided mechanistic insight into how TLR4⁺ T cells uniquely reconcile an ability to promote systemic antibody production with a local synovial driven-tissue damage program.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling and immune regulation: insights into disease pathogenesis and clinical implications

INTRODUCTION

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is a lipid kinase that plays a fundamental role in cell survival, metabolism, proliferation and differentiation. Thus, balanced PI3K signalling is critical for multiple aspects of human health. The discovery that germline variants in genes in the PI3K pathway caused inborn errors of immunity highlighted the non-redundant role of these signalling proteins in the human immune system. The subsequent identification and characterisation of >300 individuals with a novel immune dysregulatory disorder, termed activated PI3K-delta syndrome (APDS), has reinforced the status of PI3K as a key pathway regulating immune function. Studies of APDS have demonstrated that dysregulated PI3K function is disruptive for immune cell development, activation, differentiation, effector function and self-tolerance, which are all important in supporting effective, long-term immune responses.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we recount recent findings regarding humans with germline variants in PI3K genes and discuss the underlying cellular and molecular pathologies, with a focus on implications for therapy in APDS patients.

EXPERT OPINION

Modulating PI3K immune cell signalling by offers opportunities for therapeutic interventions in settings of immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and malignancy, but also highlights potential adverse events that may result from overt pharmacological or intrinsic inhibition of PI3K function.

Follicular regulatory T cell biology and its role in immune-mediated diseases

Follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells are recently found to be a special subgroup of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Tfr cells play an important role in regulating the germinal center (GC) response, especially modulating follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and GC-B cells, thereby affecting the production of antibodies. Tfr cells are involved in the generation and development of many immune-related and inflammatory diseases. This article summarizes the advances in several aspects of Tfr cell biology, with special focus on definition and phenotype, development and differentiation, regulatory factors, functions, and interactions with T/B cells and molecules involved in performance and regulation of Tfr function. Finally, we highlight the current understanding of Tfr cells involvement in autoimmunity and alloreactivity, and describe some drugs targeting Tfr cells. These latest studies have answered some basic questions in Tfr cell biology and explored the roles of Tfr cells in immune-mediated diseases.

Altered follicular regulatory T (Tfr)- and helper T (Tfh)-cell subsets are associated with autoantibody levels in microscopic polyangiitis patients

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is an autoimmune disease characterized by B cells-derived ANCAs, and ANCA was proved to be a key factor in its pathogenesis. Follicular regulatory T (Tfr) and follicular helper T (Tfh) cells were T-cell subsets that play important roles in B-cell maturation and antibody production. However, their significances in microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) patients, one type of AAV, has not been thoroughly studied. In this study, comprehensive pattern analyses of circulating Tfr and Tfh were performed in MPA patients and healthy controls (HCs), and we found Tfr levels and Tfr/Tfh ratios were significantly decreased in MPA patients. Compared with HCs, Helios+, CD45RA-FoxP3hi, and Ki-67+ Tfr were lower in MPA patients, while CD226+ Tfr cells were higher. These phenotypes suggest that function and proliferation ability of Tfr cells were relatively impaired. Tfh subsets, including ICOS+PD-1+ and Ki-67+ Tfh, were significantly increased, suggesting that the function of Tfh was enhanced in MPA although the total Tfh levels did not change significantly. Circulating memory B cells and plasmablasts were significantly elevated and negatively correlated with Tfr levels and Tfr/Tfh ratios in MPA patients. In addition, Tfr levels and Tfr/Tfh ratios were negatively while Tfh was positively correlated with serum myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA levels. Furthermore, Tfr and Tfr/Tfh ratio were also reversely associated with SCr, BUN, IL-4, and IL-21 levels. Our results suggest that the imbalance of Tfr and Tfh functional subsets is related to increased level of autoantibodies in MPA patients, and we propose a new mechanism for the pathogenesis of MPA.

Peripheral TIGIT+ T Follicular Helper Cells That Produce High Levels of Interleukin-21 via OX40 Represent Disease Activity in IgG4-Related Disease

Objectives

Multiple studies suggest that interleukin (IL)-21 plays a pivotal role in the differentiation of B cells and activation of cytotoxic T cells and is involved in the pathogenesis of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) is a new marker of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, yet its significance remains unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate whether TIGIT expression could detect high IL-21-producing peripheral Tfh populations and their association with disease activity in IgG4-RD.

Methods

TIGIT expression in peripheral CD4+T cell subsets was comprehensively analyzed by multi-color flow cytometry. Single cell mapping was performed by t-SNE method, and IL-21 production was compared in TIGIT+ and TIGIT-T cells. The effect of OX40 signal on cytokine expression was analyzed by RNA-sequencing. Clinical significance of TIGIT+ and TIGIT- peripheral T cells was analyzed in active patients with IgG4-RD, both at baseline and after 12 weeks of glucocorticoid treatment.

Results

Unbiased single cell mapping revealed two high IL-21-producing peripheral T cell populations; TIGIT+ Tfh and TIGIT-T helper cells. OX40 signal was associated with high IL-21 production in TIGIT+ Tfh and TIGIT-T helper cells. IL-21 production in Tfh cells correlated with the proportion of TIGIT+ cells in Tfh cells, serum IgG4 level, and scores of disease activity. Furthermore, the skewing toward peripheral TIGIT+ Tfh cells, particularly TIGIT+Tfh2 subset correlated with disease activity and was corrected by glucocorticoid treatment in IgG4-RD.

Conclusions

OX40 is associated with high IL-21 production in peripheral TIGIT+ Tfh cells, and the increase in peripheral TIGIT+ Tfh cells reflects disease activity in IgG4-RD.

The Concept of Pathogenic TH2 Cells: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum Update 2021

T helper (TH) cells have evolved into distinct subsets that mediate specific immune responses to protect the host against a myriad of infectious and noninfectious challenges. However, if dysregulated, TH-cell subsets can cause inflammatory disease. Emerging evidence now suggests that human allergic disease is caused by a distinct subpopulation of pathogenic TH2 cells. Pathogenic TH2 cells from different type-2-driven diseases share a core phenotype and show overlapping functional attributes. The unique differentiation requirements, activating signals, and metabolic characteristics of pathogenic TH2 cells are just being discovered. A better knowledge of this particular TH2 cell population will enable the specific targeting of disease-driving pathways in allergy. In this review, we introduce a rational for classifying TH cells into distinct subsets, discuss the current knowledge on pathogenic TH2 cells, and summarize their involvement in allergic diseases.

Comparative Analysis of Global Proteome and Lysine Acetylome Between Naive CD4+ T Cells and CD4+ T Follicular Helper Cells

As a subgroup of CD4⁺ T helper cells, follicular helper T (Tfh) cells provide help to germinal center B cells and mediate the development of long-lived humoral immunity. Dysregulation of Tfh cells is associated with several major autoimmune diseases. Although recent studies showed that Tfh cell differentiation is controlled by the transcription factor Bcl6, cytokines, and cell-cell signals, limited information is available on the proteome and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins in human Tfh cells. In the present study, we investigated quantitative proteome and acetylome in human naive CD4⁺ T cells and in vitro induced Tfh (iTfh) cells using the tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling technique, antibody-based affinity enrichment, and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. In total, we identified 802 upregulated proteins and 598 downregulated proteins at the threshold of 1.5-fold in iTfh cells compared to naive CD4⁺ T cells. With the aid of intensive bioinformatics, the biological process, the cellular compartment, the molecular function, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and protein–protein interaction of these differentially expressed proteins were revealed. Moreover, the acetylome data showed that 22 lysine (K) acetylated proteins are upregulated and 26 K acetylated proteins are downregulated in iTfh cells compared to the naive CD4⁺ T cells, among which 11 differentially acetylated K residues in core histones were identified, indicating that protein acetylation and epigenetic mechanism are involved in regulating Tfh cell differentiation. The study provides some important clues for investigating T cell activation and Tfh cell differentiation.

Enhanced IgG1 -mediated antibody response towards thymus-dependent immunization in CXCR1-deficient mice

Background

Chemokine receptors and their corresponding ligands are key players of immunity by regulation of immune cell differentiation and migration. CXCR1 is a high‐affinity receptor for CXCL8. Differential expression of CXCR1 is associated with a variety of human pathologies including cancer and inflammatory diseases. While various studies have highlighted the importance of CXCR1‐mediated CXCL8‐sensing for neutrophil trafficking and function, its role in B‐cell responses remains unsolved. Therefore, our aim was to investigate innate and adaptive antibody responses in CXCR1‐deficient mice.

Methods

Cell populations of the spleen and the peritoneal cavity were identified and quantified via flow cytometry. To investigate thymus‐independent (TI) and thymus‐dependent (TD) antibody responses, mice were immunized intraperitoneally with TNP‐Ficoll, Pneumovax23, and TNP‐Chicken Gamma Globulin. Mice were bled before as well as 7 and 14 days after vaccination to collect serum. Serum antibody levels overtime were analyzed according to their specificity by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. B‐1 cell functionality was examined by IL‐5/IL‐5Rα‐dependent stimulation of peritoneal and splenic cells in vitro. To analyze CXCR1/2‐expression, CD19⁺ splenocytes were enriched by magnetic‐activated cell sorting before isolation of total RNA contents, followed by reverse transcription and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The distribution of natural B‐1 cell populations was disturbed in the absence of CXCR1, while their responsiveness towards TI antigens and in vitro stimulation remained functional. Besides, CXCR1‐deficiency was accompanied by increased frequencies of follicular B‐2 cells in the spleen. Interestingly, these mice produced elevated levels of antigen‐specific IgG₁ upon TD immunization and harbored a significantly enlarged proportion of CXCR5‐expressing T helper (H) cells. CXCR1‐expression was detectable in CD19⁺ splenocytes derived from wild‐type, but not CXCR1‐deficient mice.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate a previously unknown relevance of CXCR1 for the production of specific IgG₁ in response to vaccination. These findings identify CXCR1 as a promising candidate for future studies on the regulation of adaptive antibody responses.

Autoreactive T cells in pemphigus: perpetrator and target

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disease, in which autoantibodies against epidermal cadherins, such as desmoglein (Dsg)1 and Dsg3, lead to the development of blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes. Autoreactive CD4+ T cells are essential for the induction and perpetuation of the disease by interaction with B cells producing autoantibodies. PV has a strong genetic association with certain human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles with HLA-DRB1*04:02 and LA-DQB1*05:03 being the most prevalent in patients. Recently, genome-wide association studies have provided a new approach to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms, alongside the known association with HLA alleles. Loss of tolerance against Dsgs and other autoantigens is a critical event in the pathogenesis of PV. Epitope spreading contributes to the progression of PV, leading to an extension of the Dsg-specific autoimmune response to other molecular epitopes of autoantigens, such as desmocollins or muscarinic receptors. Alterations in CD4+CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells are thought to contribute to the development of PV representing a suitable target for therapeutic interventions. Several CD4+ T-cell subsets and cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of PV, while Th2 cells are the extensively studied population. Recently, other T cell subsets like T follicular helper cells and Th17 have gained attention as new potential players in PV pathogenesis. The involvement of local autoantibody production in the lesional skin of PV patients in tertiary lymphoid organs is currently discussed but not yet clarified. In this study, we reviewed the current knowledge about the development, characteristics and function of autoreactive T cells in pemphigus and present current new T cell-targeted therapeutic approaches.

Characterization of rare spindle and root cell transcriptional profiles in the stria vascularis of the adult mouse cochlea

The stria vascularis (SV) in the cochlea generates and maintains the endocochlear potential, thereby playing a pivotal role in normal hearing. Knowing transcriptional profiles and gene regulatory networks of SV cell types establishes a basis for studying the mechanism underlying SV-related hearing loss. While we have previously characterized the expression profiles of major SV cell types in the adult mouse, transcriptional profiles of rare SV cell types remained elusive due to the limitation of cell capture in single-cell RNA-Seq. The role of these rare cell types in the homeostatic function of the adult SV remain largely undefined. In this study, we performed single-nucleus RNA-Seq on the adult mouse SV in conjunction with sample preservation treatments during the isolation steps. We distinguish rare SV cell types, including spindle cells and root cells, from other cell types, and characterize their transcriptional profiles. Furthermore, we also identify and validate novel specific markers for these rare SV cell types. Finally, we identify homeostatic gene regulatory networks within spindle and root cells, establishing a basis for understanding the functional roles of these cells in hearing. These novel findings will provide new insights for future work in SV-related hearing loss and hearing fluctuation.

Phenotypically defined subpopulations of circulating follicular helper T cells in common variable immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by low immunoglobulin G and IgA/IgM, decreased switched memory B cells, impaired response to vaccine, and an increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmunity. TFH cells play an important role in germinal center reaction where it supports isotype switching, somatic hypermutation, generation of memory B cells, and differentiation of B cells to plasma cells. The objective was to study the distribution of three subsets of TFH cells and their relationship with autoimmune diseases associated with CVID.

METHODS

TFH cells have been divided into TFH 1 (interleukin 21 [IL-21] and interferon γ), TFH 2 (IL-21 and IL-4), and TFH 17 (IL-21 and IL-17) cells. Mononuclear cells from 25 patients with CVID and age and gender-matched controls were stained with various monoclonal antibodies (anti-CD4 APC, anti-CXCR5 FITC, anti-CCR6 PerCP, and anti-CXCR3 PE) and isotype controls and analyzed for TFH 1 (CD4+ CXCR5+ CXCR3+ CCR6- ), TFH 2 (CD4+ CXCR5+ CXCR3- CCR6- ), and TFH 17 (CD4+ CXCR5+ CXCR3- CCR6+ ) cells by multicolor flow cytometry. Twenty thousand cells were acquired and analyzed by FlowJo software. Statistical analysis of comparison of patients and healthy controls was performed by paired t test using PRISM 7 software.

RESULTS

TFH 2 and TFH 17 cells subpopulations of TFH cells were significantly decreased (P < .003 and P < .006, respectively) in CVID as compared with controls. No significant difference was observed in any of TFH cell subpopulations between CVID with and those without autoimmunity group.

CONCLUSION

Alterations in TFH cell subpopulation may play a role in defects in B cell compartment in CVID.

Cellular immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia

: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune hemorrhagic disease characterized by immune-mediated increased platelet destruction and decreased platelet production, resulting from immune intolerance to autoantigen. The pathogenesis of ITP remains unclear, although dysfunction of T and B lymphocytes has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of ITP. More recently, it is found that dendritic cells, natural killer, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells also play an important role in ITP. Elucidating its pathogenesis is expected to provide novel channels for the targeted therapy of ITP. This article will review the role of different immune cells in ITP.