Ectopic CD4+ T cells in choroid plexus mediate neuropsychiatric lupus symptoms in mice via interferon-γ induced microglia activation

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is a disabling and potentially life-threatening complication of SLE. This study aims to investigate whether ectopic CD4⁺ T cells in the choroid plexus mediate NPSLE in mice. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of anti-CD4 antibody effectively depleted CP-resident CD4⁺ T cells and alleviated NPSLE-like symptoms in MRL/lpr mice. Following ICV injection, the majority of isolated lupus CD4⁺ T cells from donor MRL/lpr mice predominantly stayed in the CP for at least 28 days in recipient C57BL/6 mice, while nearly all isolated CD4⁺ T cells from MRL/MpJ mice disappeared within 7 days. ICV injection of lupus CD4⁺ T cells resulted in NPSLE-like symptoms, including impaired behavioral performances, increased microglial activation, and abnormal microstructure changes. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the majority of isolated lupus CD4⁺ T cells were positive for IFN-γ. Neutralizing intracerebral IFN-γ alleviated NPSLE-like symptoms in MRL/lpr mice. Moreover, ICV injection of anti-IFN-γ antibody or microglial depletion by PLX3397 benefited most NPSLE-like symptoms in lupus CD4⁺ T-treated mice, while ICV injection of IFN-γ mimicked most NPSLE-like symptoms. In conclusion, CP-resident lupus CD4⁺ T cells contribute to NPSLE-like symptoms in mice via Interferon-γ induced microglia activation. Depleting CP-resident lupus CD4⁺ T cells, interferon-γ, or activated microglia may be potential therapeutic targets for NPSLE.

Keywords: CD4(+) T cell; Interferon-γ; Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus; Systemic lupus erythematosus.