Increased Tph cells are associated with disease activity and elevated plasma TGF-β1 levels in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

T peripheral helper (Tph) cells play essential functions in the pathogenic mechanisms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Accordingly, we aimed to elucidate the significance of Tph cells in relation to clinical characteristics in patients who have SLE. Herein, 50 patients who have SLE and 20 healthy controls (HCs) were selected. Using flow cytometry, Tph cells frequency was determined. Moreover, the plasma cytokine levels, including transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), were measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Spearman correlation analysis was deployed to evaluate the interplay between Tph cells with clinical indicators and plasma cytokine levels. The proportion of Tph cells in the SLE patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells exceeded that of HCs (P < .05). The prevalence of Tph cells was significantly elevated in SLE patients exhibiting arthritis (P < .05). The prevalence of Tph cells was related to the disease activity index and CD19+ cells in those suffering from SLE. In SLE patients, TGF-β1 plasma levels were significantly elevated in contrast to the HCs, with Tph cells being directly correlated to TGF-β1 levels. The Tph cells proportion was related to disease activity as well as plasma TGF-β1 levels in SLE, implying the implication of Tph cells in SLE pathogenesis. Consequently, Tph cells may be a promising therapeutic target in SLE patients with arthritis.

Keywords: SLE; T peripheral helper cells; TGF-β1.