Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) features aberrant T-B cooperation and expansion of atypical memory B cells (aMBCs) characterized by the expression of CD11c and T-bet. We investigated the relationship between IL-21/IL-21R and the activation state of cTfh and Tph, with CD11c+T-bet + B cell subsets and clinical activity.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 40 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 15 healthy subjects (HS). A multiparameter flow cytometry was used to evaluate Tph (CD4+CXCR5-PD-1+), cTfh (CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+), and aMBCs (CD19+CXCR5-CD11c+) subsets and intracellular expression of IL-17A (iIL-17A), IL-21 (iIL-21), and T-bet. The disease activity was assessed using the SLEDAI-2K.
Results
We found an increased frequency of cTfh PD-1vh, HLA-DR+, IL-21R+, and Tph PD-1vh, HLA-DR+, and iIL-21+ cells in SLE patients. The aNAV T-bet+ cells were expanded in SLE patients. Activated T-cell states (iIL-21+/IL-21R+/PD-1vh/HLA-DR+) correlated with T-bet+ B cells subsets. Finally, activated cTfh/Tph and aMBCs correlated with SLEDAI-2K.
Conclusions
Our findings provide new insights into the cooperative expression of IL-21/IL-21R and T-bet and their potential relationships with extrafollicular B-cell responses in SLE. These results highlight the IL-21/T-bet axis, offering potential avenues for biomarker development and targeted therapeutic intervention in SLE.
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