Preserved specific anti-viral T-cell response but associated with decreased lupus activity in SLE patients with cytomegalovirus infection
Journal
Revmatologiia (Bulgaria)
Journal Volume
59
Journal Issue
11
Pages
3340-3349
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Abstract
Objectives. SLE is an autoimmune disease characterized by aberrant autoantibody production and immune dysfunctions. Whether the anti-CMV immunity is impaired in SLE patients is poorly understood. We investigated the specific anti-viral T-cell response in SLE patients with CMV infection and its possible impacts on clinical manifestations in lupus. Methods. CD28 null T-cell percentages were measured by flow cytometry in 89 SLE patients and 58 healthy controls. A specific anti-CMV CD8 T-cell response was assessed ex vivo by the production of intracellular cytokines in response to CMV phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) by flow cytometry. Clinical manifestations and immune parameters were analysed in SLE patients according to their CMV serostatus. Results. CD28 null T cells were significantly expanded in SLE patients. When the anti-CMV pp65 CD8 polyfunctional T cell response was analysed, as defined by production of at least three of four functional cytokines or effectors (intracellular IFN-c, IL-2, TNF-a and surface CD107a), the results demonstrated that it was not impaired in SLE patients. In contrast, when comparing clinical manifestations, there were lower anti-ds-DNA levels and decreased SLEDAI in SLE patients with CMV infection. Furthermore, the expansion of CD4?CD28 null T cells was negatively associated with anti-ds-DNA levels and SLEDAI in these lupus patients. Conclusion. In SLE patients with CMV infection, the specific anti-CMV CD8 T-cell response is preserved but is associated with decreased disease activity and lower anti-DNA levels among these patients, suggesting CMV infection may mitigate lupus activity. ? The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com
Subjects
CD28 null T cells; Cytomegalovirus; Polyfunctional CD8 T cells; SLE disease activity
SDGs
Other Subjects
azathioprine; CD28 antigen; cyclophosphamide; cytomegalovirus antigen pp65; double stranded DNA antibody; gamma interferon; hydroxychloroquine; immunoglobulin G; immunosuppressive agent; interleukin 2; lysosome associated membrane protein 1; mycophenolic acid; tumor necrosis factor; CD28 antigen; cytomegalovirus matrix protein 65kDa; DNA; gamma interferon; immunoglobulin G; interleukin 2; lysosome associated membrane protein 1; matrix protein; tumor necrosis factor; virus antibody; adult; Article; CD4+ T lymphocyte; CD8+ T lymphocyte; cellular immunity; clinical feature; controlled study; cytokine production; cytomegalovirus infection; disease activity; ex vivo study; female; flow cytometry; human; human cell; human tissue; major clinical study; male; nonhuman; peripheral blood mononuclear cell; SLEDAI; systemic lupus erythematosus; virus immunity; antibody specificity; biosynthesis; blood; case control study; cellular immunity; complication; Cytomegalovirus; cytomegalovirus infection; immunology; lymphocyte activation; middle aged; null cell; systemic lupus erythematosus; Adult; Antibodies, Viral; Antibody Specificity; Case-Control Studies; CD28 Antigens; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; DNA; Female; Flow Cytometry; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Immunoglobulin G; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-2; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Lymphocyte Activation; Lymphocytes, Null; Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 1; Male; Middle Aged; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Viral Matrix Proteins
Publisher
Medical Information Center
Type
journal article