Expanded senescent CD8 T cells in IMID patients are associated with distinct inflammatory cytokines

Using flow cytometry, we assessed circulating T4sen and T8sen proportions at baseline and 3 months after initiating anti-TNF treatment in RA and SpA patients using flow cytometry. Circulating levels of cytokines were measured at baseline. These parameters were associated with demographic variables and disease activity. T4sen and T8sen were compared between RA, SpA, SjD, healthy donors, and cancer patients. T8sen, but not T4sen, accumulated more in patients with IMIDs than in patients with lung cancer and healthy donors. CMV-seropositivity was associated with the accumulation of T8sen. T8sen were associated with high IL-6 in SpA patients and high IP-10 in SjD patients. Anti-TNF did not impact the T8sen proportion of RA and SpA patients. There was a trend toward an increase in T8sen in anti-TNF nonresponders after 3 months of treatment. Senescent CD8 T cells are enriched in IMID patients, suggesting that immune aging is a shared feature of chronic inflammatory diseases. The association between T8sen and distinct inflammatory cytokines underscores the potential role of senescence in shaping immune responses in IMIDs.