T-cell subset biomarkers across the rheumatoid arthritis disease continuum: from clinical utility to adoption in daily practice
Authors' conclusion
These studies validated that T-cell subset measurements are independent from other currently used biomarkers, highlighting differences in the impact of drug modes of action on the three T-cell subsets.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals across the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease continuum from at-risk to drug-induced remission
- Outcome
- Dynamic changes in CD4+ T-cell subsets (naive, Treg, IRC) across the RA continuum
Methodological detailslongitudinal analysis, flow cytometry, ANOVA with Bonferroni correction
- Longitudinal analysis
- Flow cytometry
- ANOVA with Bonferroni correction
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- At risk of RA: Inflammation-related cells (IRC) frequencies increased just prior to onset of clinical synovitis; naive T-cell frequencies reduced in progressors to clinical synovitis but increased in non-progressors
- Naive/IRC data improved accuracy of RA classification, especially in ACPA-negative patients
- Distinct T-cell biomarker signature in late-onset RA (>60 years old vs <59)
- Untreated RA: predictive value of naive T-cell frequencies for MTX response confirmed
- On MTX: naive T cells increased only between 6 and 12 months and only when in remission; IRC and Treg showed no consistent change
- On TNFi: naive T-cell frequency increased independently of response; sustained IRC reductions and Treg increases in remission
- Stable clinical remission: only naive frequencies increased with length of remission on conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs); only Treg increased over time in TNFi-induced remission
Original publication
T-cell subset biomarkers across the rheumatoid arthritis disease continuum: from clinical utility to adoption in daily practice. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 10 June 2026. doi:10.
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