CD39 Expression in Peripheral CD4+ T Lymphocytes Is Associated With Disease Activity in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

objectiveRegulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD4-positive T cells are crucial for the immunological control of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). As a crucial component of the adenosine metabolism pathway, CD39 influences the development and functionality of several immune system lymphocyte subsets, such as CD4-positive T cells and Tregs. The purpose of this study was to examine the connection between the activity of SLE disease and the numbers of Tregs and CD4-positive T lymphocytes, as well as the expression levels of the CD39 molecule on these cells.

methodsOne hundred and eight SLE patients had peripheral blood drawn. The patients were split into two distinct categories: the SLE active group and the SLE low-activity group, depending on the illness activity. Using flow cytometry, the proportions and absolute numbers of CD4-positive T cells and Tregs, as well as the expression of CD39 on these cells, were measured. Their associations with SLE disease activity were examined. Last, CD39 was assessed as a possible biomarker for the activity of SLE illness.

resultsCompared to the SLE low-activity group, the SLE active group's peripheral blood had a larger percentage and quantity of CD4-positive T cells. In contrast, it was discovered that the SLE active group had fewer Tregs overall, both in terms of percentage and quantity, than the SLE low-activity group. Compared to those in the SLE low-activity group, patients in the SLE active group exhibited noticeably greater levels of CD39 expression in both Tregs and CD4-positive T cells. Additionally, this study showed a favorable correlation between the percentage and absolute quantity of Tregs and the expression level of CD39 on Tregs. On the other hand, there is a negative correlation between the percentage and absolute quantity of CD4-positive T cells and the expression level of CD39 on these cells. Furthermore, CD39 is a possible biomarker that could help in the identification of SLE disease activity, according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve research.

conclusionAccording to this study, CD4-positive T cells' surface CD39 molecule serves a similar purpose to Tregs', namely immunological suppression. Therefore, a subpopulation of T cells with immunosuppressive properties is defined by CD4+CD39+ T lymphocytes, which may be a more accurate marker for differentiating disease activity in SLE.