Expansion of highly interferon-responsive T cells in early-onset Alzheimer's disease

Altered immune signatures are emerging as a central theme in neurodegenerative disease, yet little is known about immune responses in early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD).

We examined single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and droplet digital (dd)PCR data from CD4 T cells from participants with EOAD and clinically normal controls.

We analyzed ~182,000 PBMCs by scRNA-seq and discovered increased interferon signaling-associated gene (ISAG) expression and striking expansion of antiviral-like ISAG^hi T cells in EOAD. We isolated CD4 T cells from additional EOAD cases and confirmed increased expression of ISAG^hi marker genes. Publicly available cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte scRNA-seq data from late-onset mild cognitive impairment and AD also revealed increased expression of interferon-response genes.

ISAG^hi T cells, apparently primed for antiviral activity, are expanded in EOAD. Additional research into these cells and the role of heightened peripheral IFN signaling in neurodegeneration is warranted.