Mucosal-associated Invariant Cells are Deficient in Systemic Sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune condition marked by fibrosis, vascular issues, and immune dysfunction.
• Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are implicated in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify MAIT cell frequencies in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.
• To compare MAIT and gamma delta (γδ) T cell distribution in SSc subtypes.
• To investigate correlations between T cell levels and SSc clinical parameters.

Main Methods:

• Flow cytometry was used to analyze blood samples from SSc patients and healthy controls.
• Frequencies and absolute numbers of MAIT and γδ T cells were quantified.

Main Results:

• SSc patients exhibited significantly lower frequencies and absolute numbers of MAIT and γδ T cells compared to healthy controls.
• No significant correlation was found between MAIT/γδ T cell levels and C-reactive protein, BNP, pulmonary involvement, skin fibrosis, steroid use, or disease duration.
• The reduction in MAIT and γδ T cells did not stratify by gender, interstitial lung disease, or active digital ulcers.

Conclusions:

• Systemic sclerosis is associated with a notable decrease in circulating MAIT and γδ T cells.
• The clinical significance of this T cell reduction in SSc requires further investigation through functional studies.