Hyperactivity of T lymphocytes might play an important role in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). CD226/T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) pathway is a newly identified immune checkpoint involved in the pathogenesis of cancer and rheumatic diseases. However, its role in the pathophysiology of pSS is obscure. Hence, this study aimed to explore the potential role of CD226/TIGIT expression on T cells in the pathogenesis of pSS.
In patients with pSS, other rheumatic disease controls (DCs), and healthy controls (HCs), the expression of CD226 and TIGIT on T cells along with their activity following stimulation were detected by flow cytometry. The correlations between the expression of CD226 and TIGIT on T cells and clinical data were analyzed.
The frequencies of CD226/TIGIT expressing CD4
CD226/TIGIT checkpoint molecules were over-expressed on T cells in pSS. Proportional and functional alteration of CD226/TIGIT expressing CD4