Involvement of cytotoxic Eomes-expressing CD4 ⁺ T cells in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Significance Multiple sclerosis (MS) can transition from a relapsing-remitting form (RRMS) into a chronic progressive form (secondary progressive MS, SPMS). SPMS pathogenesis remains poorly understood with diagnosis based entirely on retrospective clinical monitoring. We show that T helper cells expressing the transcription factor Eomes (Eomes + Th cells) were significantly increased in peripheral blood from SPMS patients versus healthy subjects or RRMS and other progressive MS patients. Moreover, Eomes + Th cells expressing granzyme B were found infiltrating brain tissues in SPMS autopsy samples, providing support for a pathogenic role. Analysis of clinical status on follow-up indicated the value of measuring Eomes + Th cells for SPMS diagnosis and prognostic monitoring. This study may contribute to future development of biomarker-assisted “precision medicine” for MS.