Autoantigen-specific CD4+ T helper cells acquire exhausted phenotype in autoimmune diseases
October 2024
Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel, Germany
This study examined autoantigen-specific CD4+ T helper cells (Auto-Th) in patients with autoimmune diseases (AIDs). It was found that these cells adopt an "exhausted" state (ThEx) in conditions like neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-NMOSD), where their activity is significantly reduced: they showed reduced proliferative capacity and produced considerably fewer pro-inflammatory cytokines. ThEx cells were also identified in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and bullous pemphigoid. Despite successful therapy, these ThEx cells remain stable over years. They respond to treatments that activate the immune system and help B cells produce antibodies. The development of this exhausted phenotype was shown to be regulated by the transcription factor FOXP3, which is also found in regulatory T cells. These findings suggest that T cell exhaustion is a common mechanism across various AIDs and could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these cells.
Autoantigen-specific CD4+ T cells acquire an exhausted phenotype and persist in human antigen-specific autoimmune diseases
Alexander Scheffold
Added on: 12-05-2024
[1] https://www.cell.com/immunity/fulltext/S1074-7613(24)00404-7
