TH17 cells expressing CD146 are significantly increased in patients with Systemic sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease marked by vascular damage, fibrosis, and immune dysregulation.
• CD146, an adhesion molecule, is found on vascular cells and TH17 lymphocytes and has a recently noted role in SSc.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of CD146-expressing TH17 cells in systemic sclerosis.
• To explore the correlation between soluble CD146 (sCD146), IL17A, and TH17 cell populations in SSc patients.

Main Methods:

• Quantification of soluble CD146 (sCD146) and IL17A levels in SSc patients and healthy controls.
• Analysis of TH17 cell populations, including RORγT, IL17A mRNA, and CD4+ IL17A+ cells.
• Assessment of CD146 expression on TH17 cells and its correlation with pulmonary fibrosis.
• In vitro experiments to study the effect of sCD146 on TH17 cell differentiation and CD146 expression.

Main Results:

• SSc patients exhibited elevated levels of sCD146 and IL17A, with a positive correlation between them.
• A significant increase in TH17 cells (RORγT, IL17A mRNA, CD4+ IL17A+ cells) was observed in SSc patients.
• The percentage of TH17 cells expressing CD146 was higher in SSc patients and inversely correlated with pulmonary fibrosis.
• In vitro, sCD146 treatment increased the proportion of CD146-expressing TH17 cells.

Conclusions:

• Increased CD146+ TH17 cells and elevated sCD146 levels are characteristic of systemic sclerosis.
• CD146+ TH17 cells represent a potential new component of the adaptive immune response in SSc.
• These findings suggest CD146+ TH17 cells as a potential therapeutic target for managing SSc.