Circulating Memory T Follicular Helper Cells in Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica/Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

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作者：Fan, X., Jiang, Y., Han, J., Liu, J., Wei, Y., Jiang, X. & Jin, T.
期刊：Mediators of inflammation 2016, 3678152 (2016)
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the potential role of memory T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in patients with neuromyelitis optica/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMO/NMOSD). METHODS: The percentages of different subsets of circulating memory Tfh cells in 25 NMO/NMOSD patients before and after treatment as well as in 17 healthy controls were examined by flow cytometry. The levels of IL-21 and AQP4 Ab in plasma and CSF were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The percentages and numbers of circulating memory Tfh cells, ICOS(+), CCR7(-), CCR7(-)ICOS(+), CCR7(+), CCR7(+)ICOS(+) memory Tfh cells, and the levels of IL-21 in plasma and CSF were significantly increased in NMO/NMOSD patients. The percentages of CCR7(-) and CCR7(-)ICOS(+) memory Tfh cells were positively correlated with ARR, plasma IL-21, and AQP4 Ab levels. The percentages of CCR7(+) and CCR7(+)ICOS(+) memory Tfh cells were positively correlated with CSF white blood cell counts, proteins, and IL-21 levels. Treatment with corticosteroids significantly reduced the numbers of CCR7(-)ICOS(+) and CCR7(+)ICOS(+) memory Tfh cells as well as plasma IL-21 levels in patients with partial remission. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that circulating memory Tfh cells may participate in the relapse and development of NMO/NMOSD and may serve as a new therapeutic target.