Effects of anti-CD20 therapy on circulating and intrathecal follicular helper T cell subsets in multiple sclerosis

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Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and their interplay with B cells likely contribute to the pathogenesis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Tfh cells are enriched in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in RRMS, but effects of anti-CD20 therapy are unknown. We investigated Tfh cells in controls, untreated and anti-CD20-treated patients with RRMS using flow cytometry. CSF Tfh cells were increased in untreated patients. Compared to paired blood samples, CD25 Tfh cells were enriched in CSF in RRMS, but not in controls. Contrast-enhancing brain MRI lesions and IgG index correlated with CSF CD25 Tfh cell frequency in untreated patients with RRMS. Anti-CD20 therapy reduced the numbers of circulating PD1+ Tfh cells and CD25 Tfh cells, and the frequency of CSF CD25 Tfh cells. The study suggests that CD25 Tfh cells are recruited to the CSF in RRMS, associated with focal inflammation, and are reduced by anti-CD20 therapy.

Original languageEnglish
Article number110262
JournalClinical Immunology
Volume264
Number of pages8
ISSN1521-6616
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

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© 2024 The Authors

    Research areas

  • B-cell depletion, CD4, CXCL13, CXCR5, Ocrelizumab, Rituximab

ID: 393644329