Work

Characterization of T cells in the progression of dry eye disease using single-cell RNA sequencing in mice

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Increasing evidence indicated that T cells have significant effects in dry eye disease (DED). However, the regulatory role of T cells in DED remains unclear. In this study, we examined immune responses throughout the progression in murine DED model. Using cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we observed dynamic alterations in the proportions of immune cell landscape. Pseudotime trajectory and cell–cell communication analyses further illustrated T-cell differentiation and interaction networks. CD4 + and CD8 + T cells exhibited an initial decline on Day 3 (D3) and followed by a recovery on Day 7 (D7). Single-cell transcriptomics provided insights into 15 distinct subsets of T cells with heterogeneous functional states. Pseudotime trajectory analysis demonstrated coordinated differentiation patterns of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, indicating their collaborative involvement in the inflammatory process. Our results clarify the dynamics of the adaptive immune response in DED and indicate that targeting T cells may serve as a promising immune-modulatory approach in the treatment of DED model.

Source: European journal of medical research

DOI: 10.1186/s40001-025-02607-2

Authors: Zhizhi Zhang, Liwei Zhang, Baihua Chen

Institutions: Central South University, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Xiangya Hospital Central South University

Language: English

Topic: Ocular Surface and Contact Lens

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190