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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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Single-cell Analysis of Immunophenotype and Cytokine Production in Peripheral Whole Blood via Mass Cytometry
Published on: June 26, 2018
Integrated immune profiling identifies a coordinated T-cell activation and inflammatory signature in SLE
Katarzyna A Lisowska1, Michał Komorniczak2, Martyna Misztal1
1Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.
Lupus Science & Medicine
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients show immune cell changes, including altered T-cell and B-cell populations, linked to chronic inflammation and disease duration. These immune disturbances in SLE impact infection risk and require further validation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) face increased infection risks and mortality, potentially due to immune cell imbalances.
- Existing research on T-cell and B-cell alterations in SLE presents inconsistent findings.
- This study investigates peripheral blood immune cell subpopulations and molecular profiles in SLE patients with kidney involvement versus healthy controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze peripheral blood immune cell subpopulations in SLE patients with renal involvement.
- To compare molecular profiles of immune cells between SLE patients and healthy controls.
- To identify potential immune dysregulation patterns contributing to SLE pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry and quantitative PCR were used to assess lymphocyte phenotype and gene expression.
- Peripheral blood samples from SLE patients (with lupus nephritis) and healthy donors were analyzed.
- Exploratory multivariate and treatment-sensitivity analyses were conducted to understand immune patterns and confounding factors.
Main Results:
- SLE patients had reduced helper T (Th) cells, increased cytotoxic T (Tc) cells, and a lower CD4/CD8 ratio.
- Decreased CD4+CD28+ and CD8+CD28+ T cells correlated with disease duration; activated HLA-DR+ Th and Tc cells were elevated.
- Elevated serum IL-6 and IL-10, increased inflammatory/interferon gene expression in T and B cells, and plasmablast expansion were observed.
Conclusions:
- SLE with renal involvement exhibits coordinated T-cell and B-cell disturbances.
- These disturbances are associated with chronic immune activation, interferon responses, and disease duration.
- Findings highlight the relevance of integrated immune profiling in SLE, warranting validation in larger studies.
