Angiogenic T Cells: Potential Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease in Autoimmune Diseases?

Abstract

(1) Background: We explored, for the first time, the contribution of angiogenic T cells (TAng) in interstitial lung disease associated to autoimmune disease (AD-ILD+) as potential biomarkers of the disease, evaluating their role in the underlying vasculopathy and lung fibrosis. Additionally, the relationship of TAng with clinical manifestations and cellular and molecular endothelial dysfunction-related biomarkers was assessed. (2) Methods: We included 57 AD-ILD+ patients (21 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-ILD+, 21 with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-ILD+ and 15 with other AD-ILD+) and three comparative groups: 45 AD-ILD- patients (25 RA-ILD- and 20 SSc-ILD-); 21 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients; 21 healthy controls (HC). TAng were considered as CD3+CD184+CD31+ by flow cytometry. (3) Results: A similar TAng frequency was found between AD-ILD+ and IPF, being in both cases lower than that observed in AD-ILD- and HC. A lower TAng frequency was associated with negative Scl-70 status and lower FEV1/FVC ratio in SSc-ILD+, as well as with men in RA-ILD+ and non-specific interstitial pneumonia radiological pattern in other AD-ILD+. No relationship between TAng and endothelial progenitor cells, endothelial cells and vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression and protein levels was disclosed. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest TAng as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ILD in AD.

• Authors: Verónica Pulito-Cueto, Sara Remuzgo-Martínez, Fernanda Genre, Belén Atienza-Mateo, Víctor M Mora-Cuesta, David Iturbe-Fernández, Leticia Lera-Gómez, Javier Rodriguez-Carrio, Diana Prieto-Peña, Virginia Portilla, Ricardo Blanco, Alfonso Corrales, Oreste Gualillo, José M Cifrián, Raquel López-Mejías, Miguel A González-Gay
• Journal: Biomedicines (Biomedicines) Vol. 10 Issue 4 (Apr 05 2022) ISSN: 2227-9059 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 35453601 (Publication Type: Journal Article)