Discovery of “super-functional” T-cells that drive inflammation in rheumatic diseases

Publication of the DRFZ in the journal eLife: Ria Baumgrass and colleagues identified a “super-functional” T cell subset that drive inflammation in a model of Systemic Lupus Erythematodes (SLE). These excessive expanding follicular helper T cell (Tfh)-like cells produce very high amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote autoantibody production. With their newly developed binning approach “pattern recognition of immune cells (PRI)” the scientists were able to distinguish these cells from many other very similar cells. They have thus discovered a new therapeutic target for the treatment of rheumatic diseases.