Elucidating TNFR1/TNFR2 Expression and Modulatory Effects by Gold Nanoparticles in Regulatory T Cells of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by joint pain. Immune system homeostasis relies on regulatory T cells (Treg). Treg proinflammatory and suppressive activities are promoted by TNFR1 and TNFR2. Nanoparticles may impact TNFR1/TNFR2 Tregs expression. The aim of this study is to elucidate the TNFR1/TNFR2 profile of Treg and their expression in response to gold nanoparticles (GNP) in RA patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of RA patients was separated for: 1) phenotyping using florophore-labelled antibodies for Treg markers (CD4, CD25, CD127, FoxP3, TNFR1 and TNFR2); 2) cell culture in media supplied with lipopolysaccharide, GNP, etanercept and tumor necrosis factor-alpha at 37°C in 5% CO ₂for 48 hrs. The percentage of TNFR1/TNFR2 Treg was evaluated and analysed by flow cytometer and FlowJo software. Phenotype profiling study of RA shows a significant difference of TNFR1/TNFR2 expression in PBMC. The TNFR2 Treg cells induced with GNP is comparable to other media. In conclusion, the association of TNFR1/TNFR2 in Tregs represents a promising target for immunotherapy in RA patients and GNP hightlight the potential of application in this field.Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by joint pain. Immune system homeostasis relies on regulatory T cells (Treg). Treg proinflammatory and suppressive activities are promoted by TNFR1 and TNFR2. Nanoparticles may impact TNFR1/TNFR2 Tregs expression. The aim of this study is to elucidate the TNFR1/TNFR2 profile of Treg and their expression in response to gold nanoparticles (GNP) in RA patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of RA patients was separated for: 1) phenotyping using florophore-labelled antibodies for Treg markers (CD4, CD25, CD127, FoxP3, TNFR1 and TNFR2); 2) cell culture in media supplied with lipopolysaccharide, GNP, etanercept and tumor necrosis factor-alpha at 37°C in 5% CO ₂for 48 hrs. The percentage of TNFR1/TNFR2 Treg was evaluated and analysed by flow cytometer and FlowJo software. Phenotype profiling study of RA shows a significant difference of TNFR1/TNFR2 expression in PBMC. The TNFR2 Treg cells induced with GNP is comparable to other media. In conclusion, the association of TNFR1/TNFR2 in Tregs represents a promising target for immunotherapy in RA patients and GNP hightlight the potential of application in this field.