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Differential expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in α4β7-positive leukocytes of patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVES
Expression of α4β7 integrin can identify gut-homing immune cells. This study aimed to determine the expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 in α4β7-positive leukocytes of patients with axial SpA (axSpA).


METHODS
We analysed the frequencies of α4β7-positive T cells, Tγδ cells and monocytes in 14 patients with axSpA and 14 healthy controls, together with the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 by flow cytometry. Also, the concentration of faecal calprotectin was measured in all patients and controls.


RESULTS
We found significantly higher percentages of α4β7-positive T (P = 0.026) and Tγδ cells (P = 0.0118) in the patients with axSpA than in controls; these cells showed differential expression of TLR2 and TLR4 when compared with α4β7-negative cells. Such differences were not correlated with disease activity or faecal calprotectin concentration.


CONCLUSION
There is an increase in circulating α4β7-positive T and Tγδ cells in patients with axSpA. These cells differentially express TLR2 and TLR4.