Deep Characterisation of Circulating Torque Teno Virus DNA Load in Crohn's Disease Patients

Torque teno virus (TTV) DNA load in plasma is suggested as a marker for immunosuppression post-transplantation. Crohn's disease (CD) arises from genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and dysbiosis, causing immune responses. This study examines TTV DNA load in CD patients in remission and its correlation with relapse. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and metagenomic analysis, the dynamic of plasma TTV DNA load was analyzed from a cohort of CD patients (n = 39) over 1 year and compared with controls (n = 49). At inclusion, TTV DNA was significantly higher in CD patients compare to control (Median [IQR]: 3.27 [2.43-3.67] and 2.05 [1.28-2.80] Log copies/mL, p = 0.0004). Plasma TTV DNA load failed to predict disease relapse in CD patients. Augmented plasma TTV DNA levels in CD patients correlated with diminished circulating CD3 + T cells and especially CD4 + T cells. No preferential representation of TTV subspecies or Anelloviridae genera was detected in CD patients' plasma. This study revealed elevated TTV DNA levels in CD patients' plasma compared to healthy controls, underscoring the intriguing potential of TTV blood sampling as a biomarker in CD.