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Pathologically Expanded Peripheral B Cell-Helper T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis

PROSET-HD aims to identify and study immune cell populations altered in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. We have identified a population of PD-1hi CXCR5- 'peripheral helper' T (Tph) cells that are expanded in the joints and circulation of patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis. This T cell population uniquely combines potent B cell-helper function with a migratory program that directs homing to inflamed tissues. RNA sequencing was performed on sorted memory CD4+ T cell subpopulations to compare the global gene expression profiles of PD-1hi CXCR5- CD4+ T cells, PD-1hi CXCR5+ follicular helper T cells, and other T cell populations obtained from blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients.