Activated CD8 T Cells Linked to IL-18 in Still Disease and MAS

A study analyzed CD38+HLA-DR+CD8+ T cells longitudinally in patients with Still disease at onset, during inactive disease, and before or during macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), using spectral flow cytometry and RNA sequencing. The researchers reported that this cell population was expanded even at disease onset and peaked during MAS, with frequencies correlating with systemic inflammation, T cell activation markers, and serum IL-18 levels; in vitro, sustained IL-18 stimulation induced expansion of these cells that recapitulated features seen in patients. The authors concluded these cells may represent a mechanistic link between Still disease and MAS and a candidate therapeutic target.

Most relevant for: Patients with Still disease, particularly those at risk for or experiencing macrophage activation syndrome.

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