Expanded CD4+CXCR5-PD-1+peripheral T helper like cells and clinical significance in IgG4-related disease

To identify the phenotypic features and clinical significance of peripheral T helper (Tph) like cells in IgG4-RD, 54 untreated IgG4-RD patients and 57 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Flow cytometry analysis, ELISA and correlation analysis were performed. Results indicated that percentages of CD4 + CXCR5-PD-1+ Tph like cells in the peripheral blood of IgG4-RD patients were significantly higher than those of HCs (2.27% +/- 1.99% vs 1.12% +/- 0.98%, P < 0.001). Expression of CD38, CD25, and TIGIT was higher, whereas that of CCR7, CD127 was lower in the Tph like cells from the IgG4-RD patients than in those from the HCs. The IgG4-RD patients with affected internal organs had higher circulating Tph like cell levels than those without (2.69% +/- 1.99% vs 1.23% +/- 0.93%, respectively, P = 0.003). In addition, Tph like cells correlated with serum IgG and IgG4 and peripheral plasmablast levels which could be a promising biomarker for disease activity monitoring.

Automated summary

In IgG4-related disease, the percentages of peripheral T helper (Tph) like cells are significantly increased, with higher expression levels of CD38, CD25, and TIGIT, and lower levels of CCR7 and CD127. Patients with affected internal organs have higher levels of circulating Tph like cells. Furthermore, Tph like cells correlate with serum levels of IgG and IgG4, as well as peripheral plasmablast levels, suggesting their potential as promising biomarkers for disease activity monitoring.