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Effector CD4+ T-cell subsets in Takayasu arteritis-differences between the peripheral blood and the aorta
Bruna Savioli1, Heron Fernandes Vieira Torquato2,3, Edgar Julian Paredes-Gamero4
1Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|May 20, 2024
Summary
Takayasu arteritis (TAK) patients show increased Th17 cells in blood, regardless of disease activity. Aortic tissue analysis revealed predominant CD8 and Th2 cells, suggesting complex immune responses in this large artery vasculitis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a large artery granulomatous vasculitis.
- T cells play a crucial role in the inflammatory processes within affected arteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate effector CD4+ T cell populations in the peripheral blood and aorta of TAK patients.
- To analyze the association of these cells with disease activity and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 30 TAK patients and 30 controls.
- Flow cytometry for peripheral blood T cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17).
- Immunohistochemistry for T cell markers (CD4, CD8, Tbet, GATA-3, RORγT) in aortic tissue.
Main Results:
- TAK patients had lower peripheral CD3+ and CD4+ T cells than controls.
- Increased Th17 cells were observed in both active and remitted TAK patients compared to controls.
- Aortic tissue showed higher CD8 than CD4 expression, with predominant GATA-3, Tbet, and RORγT expression.
Conclusions:
- TAK is characterized by an elevated Th17 response in peripheral blood.
- Aortic tissue in TAK exhibits a predominant CD8 and Th2 cell response.
- Immune cell dynamics differ between peripheral circulation and affected arterial tissue in Takayasu arteritis.
