Proinflammatory CD20⁺ T cells contribute to CNS-directed autoimmunity

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The origin and function of CD20+ T cells remain largely unknown.
• CD20 is a B cell lineage marker, and its presence on T cells is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize CD20+ T cells in mice and humans.
• To investigate the role of CD20+ T cells in autoimmune diseases and their response to anti-CD20 antibody treatment.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of CD20+ T cells in murine and human samples.
• Investigation of CD20 acquisition via trogocytosis.
• Analysis of CD20+ T cell phenotype and function in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models.
• Assessment of therapeutic efficacy of CD20+ T cell depletion.

Main Results:

• Murine CD20+ T cells do not express CD20 endogenously; their development requires CD20+ B cells.
• T cells acquire CD20 from B cells through trogocytosis during antigen presentation.
• CD20+ T cells exhibit increased activation markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines, correlating with disease severity in EAE.
• Depletion of CD20+ T cells ameliorates EAE independently of B cells.

Conclusions:

• CD20+ T cells arise from B cell-T cell interactions and possess pathogenic potential in autoimmune disorders.
• Targeting CD20+ T cells offers a potential therapeutic strategy for multiple sclerosis (MS) and other inflammatory conditions.