Distinct phenotype of CD4(+) T cells driving celiac disease identified in multiple autoimmune conditions

Combining HLA-DQ-gluten tetramers with mass cytometry and RNA sequencing analysis, we find that gluten-specific CD4(+) T cells in the blood and intestines of patients with celiac disease display a surprisingly rare phenotype. Cells with this phenotype are also elevated in patients with systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, suggesting a way to characterize CD4(+) T cells specific for disease-driving antigens in multiple autoimmune conditions.