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

Abstract EN

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.