【目的】Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the mechanisms of differentiation of Tfh cells are undefined. We probed its characteristics and regulation by signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT) family transcription factors.【方法】PBMCs from 41 SLE patients and 25 healthy donors (HDs) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Human naive CD4+ T cells were isolated and cultured with anti-CD3/CD28 and cytokines in vitro. Expression of characteristic markers of cells and phosphorylation of STATs (pSTATs) were detected by flow cytometry and qPCR.【成績】The proportion of CD4+CXCR5+CXCR3+CCR6CD69+ Tfh-Th1-like cells increased in SLE patients compared with HDs. IL-12 up-regulated differentiation of CD4+CXCR5+CXCR3+Bcl-6+T-bet+IL-21+IFN-γ+ Tfh-Th1-like cells through pSTAT1 and pSTAT4. IFN-γ responded to expression of IL-12 receptors.【結論】Our results suggest that IL-12-mediated activation of both STAT1 and STAT4 commits the expansion of Tfh-Th1-like cells in SLE patients. Thus, modulation of STAT-mediated gene regulation in Tfh cells should offer opportunities for the treatment of SLE.
