Aim: To detect expression of (programmed death ligand 1, PD-L1)on CD14(+) Monocyte(Mo)in the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)and their clinical significance is analyzed.
Methods: The expression of PD-L1 on the CD14(+) Mo was examined in patients with 51 active SLE and 38 healthy controls(HC) by flow cytometry. The proportions of expression of PD-L1 on CD14(+) Mo were compared between not only inactive or active SLE patients and healthy controls(HC), but also between patients with lupus nephritis and without lupus nephritis. Correlation with clinical manifestations and laboratory findings was analyzed.
Results: The Proportions of CD14(+) PD-L1(+) Mo were significantly increased in active and inactive SLE patients as compared with HC(all P<0.05). The proportions of CD14(+) PD-L1(+) Mo in SLE patients with nephritis were significantly higher than those in patients without nephritis. A positive correlation was observed for proportions of CD14(+) PD-L1(+) Mo with SLEDAI score, and amounts of proteinuria. Proportions of CD14(+) PD-L1(+) Mo in SLE patients with anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, anti-U1RNP and anti-nucleosome were higher than those in SLE patients without those antibody(P<0.05).
Conclusion: The aberrations of proportions of CD14(+) PD-L1(+) Mo were observed in patients with SLE. Proportions of CD14(+) PD-L1(+) Mo were correlated with disease activity and production of antibody.