UBASH3A and TIGIT genes expression levels in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder marked by excessive fibrosis, microvascular stenosis, and systemic clinical manifestations. An autoimmune process is believed to induce T-cell activation, mainly CD 4 T helper cells, and enhance production of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines such as interleukin (IL) 4 and IL 13. These cytokines contribute to vasculopathy and excessive collagen synthesis. UBASH3a (Ubiquitin Associated and SH3 Domain Containing A) and TIGIT (T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain) have an important role in limiting unwarranted T cell activation and maintaining immune tolerance. Our study aimed to explore UBASH3A and TIGIT mRNA expression levels in 30 SSc patients compared to 30 age and sex matched normal controls. We measured mRNA levels via real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in total RNA isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SSc patients and controls. We used RNA extraction commercial kits. The expression levels of UBASH3A and TIGIT mRNA were significantly higher in PBMCs from SSc patients compared to control subjects.