Increased percentage of CD8+CD28− T cells correlates with clinical activity in primary Sjögren’s syndrome

The role of CD28− T cell subpopulations in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) has become controversial. Changes in the number of CD28- T cells have been demonstrated in autoimmune diseases in co-existence with Sjögren’s syndrome. The study aimed to indicate differences in the number of CD4+CD28− and CD8+CD28− T cells in patients with sicca syndrome and suspected pSS. Thirty patients with sicca syndrome at baseline were studied and followed up for 5 months. After final diagnosis, comparison was made of the previously recorded lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with pSS and those in other defined subgroups. Notably high percentages of CD8+CD28− T cells were indicated in pSS patients, which correlated with the severity of the sicca symptoms and cutaneous and muscular systemic disease activity. Changes in CD8+CD28− T cell percentages may thus assist in the early differential diagnosis of pSS patients from those with similar clinical symptoms.

► The percentage of CD8+CD28− T cells is significantly high in patients with pSS.
► CD8+CD28− T cell percentages change regarding subjective and systemic activity of pSS.
► Changes in CD8+CD28− T cells may help in distinguishing patients with sicca syndrome.