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Published on: December 28, 2014
Circulating immune cell landscape and T-cell abnormalities in patients with moyamoya disease
Peicong Ge1,2,3,4,5, Chuming Tao1,2,3,4,5, Wenjing Wang6
1Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Background:
Moyamoya disease (MMD) stands as a prominent cause of stroke among children and adolescents in East Asian populations. Although a growing body of evidence suggests that dysregulated inflammation and autoimmune responses might contribute to the development of MMD, a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the alterations in circulating immune cells associated with MMD remains elusive.
Methods:
In this study, we employed a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), mass cytometry and RNA-sequencing techniques to compare immune cell profiles in peripheral blood samples obtained from patients with MMD and age-matched healthy controls.
Results:
Our investigation unveiled immune dysfunction in MMD patients, primarily characterized by perturbations in T-cell (TC) subpopulations, including a reduction in effector TCs and an increase in regulatory TCs (Tregs). Additionally, we observed diminished natural killer cells and dendritic cells alongside heightened B cells and monocytes in MMD patients. Notably, within the MMD group, there was an augmented proportion of fragile Tregs, whereas the stable Treg fraction decreased. MMD was also linked to heightened immune activation, as evidenced by elevated expression levels of HLA-DR and p-STAT3.
Conclusions:
Our findings offer a comprehensive view of the circulating immune cell landscape in MMD patients. Immune dysregulation in patients with MMD was characterized by alterations in T-cell populations, including a decrease in effector T-cells and an increase in regulatory T-cells (Tregs), suggest a potential role for disrupted circulating immunity in the aetiology of MMD.
Insights
Moyamoya disease (MMD) involves immune cell changes, with fewer effector T-cells and more regulatory T-cells (Tregs). This study reveals immune dysfunction and activation in MMD patients, suggesting a role for circulating immunity in the disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Genetics
Background:
- Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a leading cause of stroke in East Asian children and adolescents.
- Inflammation and autoimmunity are implicated in MMD, but circulating immune cell alterations are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively analyze circulating immune cell profiles in MMD patients.
- To identify specific immune cell subpopulations and activation markers associated with MMD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), mass cytometry, and RNA-sequencing.
- Compared peripheral blood immune cells from MMD patients and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Observed immune dysfunction in MMD, including reduced effector T-cells and increased regulatory T-cells (Tregs).
- Found decreased natural killer and dendritic cells, increased B cells and monocytes.
- Noted a higher proportion of fragile Tregs and reduced stable Tregs in MMD patients.
- Detected heightened immune activation with elevated HLA-DR and p-STAT3 expression.
Conclusions:
- MMD is associated with significant alterations in circulating immune cell populations.
- Immune dysregulation, particularly in T-cell subsets, suggests a role for circulating immunity in MMD etiology.
