Aire attenuate collagen-induced arthritis by suppressing T follicular helper cells through ICOSL.

Objective: To assess the expression levels of autoimmune regulator (Aire) and inducible costimulator molecule ligand (ICOSL), as well as T follicular helper (Tfh) cell numbers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and to explore their relationship with RA severity. We also aimed to investigate the effect of Aire on arthritis and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods: The expression levels of Aire, ICOSL, and Tfh cell numbers were measured in RA patients.