CCL22 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by diverse symptoms and multisystem involvement. Pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) accounts for 10-20% of all SLE cases and tends to progress more rapidly and severely than adult-onset SLE, making diagnosis more challenging. Current biomarkers remain insufficient in predicting disease severity and organ-specific complications, highlighting the need for new biomarkers.

This study included 36 pSLE patients and 18 age and gender matched healthy controls. Serum CCL22 levels were measured by luminex immunoassay. Correlations between CCL22, disease activity (SLEDAI), and 40 laboratory indicators were analyzed using Pearson correlation. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of CCL22 for pSLE and its association with system involvement.

Results showed significantly lower serum CCL22 in pSLE patients compared to controls (P < 0.0001), negatively correlating with SLEDAI scores (r = -0.3951, P < 0.05). CCL22 demonstrated strong diagnostic potential (AUC = 0.8704, 95% CI: 0.778-0.963, P < 0.0001) with an optimal cutoff value of 145.86 pg/mL. Patients with low CCL22 (CCL22 -) more often had lupus nephritis and pulmonary involvement, with significant renal dysfunction and inflammatory state, while those with higher CCL22 (CCL22 +) exhibited musculoskeletal involvement and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, suggesting potential bone metabolism abnormalities.

CCL22 is a promising diagnostic biomarker for pSLE. Its expression levels are closely associated with renal, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal involvement, providing valuable insights for clinical intervention of this disease.