%0 Journal Article
%T IL-4-secreting CD40L+ MAIT cells support antibody production in the peripheral blood of Heonch-Schönlein purpura patients.
%A Liu M
%A Yang Z
%A Wu Q
%A Yang Y
%A Zhao D
%A Cheng Q
%A Li Y
%A Liu G
%A Zhao C
%A Pan J
%A Zhang Y
%A Deng F
%A Jin T
%J Inflamm Res
%V 73
%N 1
%D 2024 Jan 26
%M 38147125
%F 6.986
%R 10.1007/s00011-023-01816-x
%X OBJECTIVE: Here, we explored the phenotype and function of MAIT cells in the peripheral blood of patients with HSP.
METHODS: Blood samples from HSP patients and HDs were assessed by flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the proportion, phenotype, and function of MAIT cells. Th-cytokines in the serum of HSP patients were analyzed by CBA. IgA in cocultured supernatant was detected by CBA to analyze antibody production by B cells.
RESULTS: The percentage of MAIT cells in HSP patients was significantly reduced compared with that in HDs. Genes related to T cell activation and effector were up-regulated in HSP MAIT cells, indicating a more activated phenotype. In addition, HSP MAIT cells displayed a Th2-like profile with the capacity to produce more IL-4 and IL-5, and IL-4 was correlated with IgA levels in the serum of HSP patients. Furthermore, CD40L was up-regulated in HSP MAIT cells, and CD40L+ MAIT cells showed an increased ability to produce IL-4 and to enhance IgA production by B cells.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that MAIT cells in HSP patients exhibit an activated phenotype. The enhanced IL-4 production and CD40L expression of MAIT cells in HSP patients could take part in the pathogenesis of HSP.