Correlation between Peripheral T Cell Subsets and the Activity of Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a common orbital immunological disease.
• T cells are implicated in TAO pathogenesis, but circulating T cell subsets remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate circulating T cell subsets in TAO patients.
• To determine correlations between T cell subsets and TAO disease activity.

Main Methods:

• Flow cytometry was used to analyze peripheral blood T cell subsets in 38 TAO patients (19 active, 19 inactive).
• Patients were stratified by clinical activity score (CAS).

Main Results:

• The percentage of double-negative T cells (DNT cells) was significantly lower in active TAO patients compared to inactive patients.
• DNT cell percentage negatively correlated with CAS (r = -0.349, P = 0.032).
• No significant differences were observed in other T cell subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, DPT cells) or their absolute numbers between active and inactive groups.

Conclusions:

• A reduced percentage of DNT cells is associated with active TAO.
• DNT cells may play a role in TAO immunopathogenesis.
• DNT cells show potential as a clinical biomarker for TAO activity.