Single-cell immunophenotyping identifies CD8+GZMK+IFNG+ T cells as a key immune population in cutaneous Lyme disease - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #Immunology
- #Lyme disease
- #Single-cell transcriptomics
- Single-cell immunophenotyping identifies CD8+GZMK+IFNG+ T cells as a key immune population in cutaneous Lyme disease.
- The study focuses on the skin lesion erythema migrans (EM), the first clinical sign of Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb).
- Expanded sample size allowed profiling of T cell responses in EM lesions compared to uninvolved skin.
- Identified clonally expanded CD8+GZMK+IFNG+ T cells with high or intermediate IFNG expression, showing differential expression of IFN-regulated genes.
- These T cells exhibit low cytotoxic gene expression, suggesting an inflammatory potential aiding early defense against Bb.
- Endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and pericytes were main producers of T cell-recruiting chemokines.
- The study provides insights into the cutaneous T cell response and skin barrier defense against Bb infection.