Autofluorescence imaging captures single cell metabolic changes in T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus 4013

Abstract Description Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder which primarily affects young women. SLE has heterogenous clinical manifestations and is associated with increased mortality and reduced quality of life. Studies have shown that T lymphocytes are implicated in SLE pathogenesis and are the target of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF), the most common medications used to manage SLE. These medications may inhibit T cell activation, a process that is regulated by metabolism. Here, we use autofluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of metabolic cofactors NAD(P)H and FAD as a non-destructive method to assess metabolic changes in T cells from SLE patients without staining or fixation. Single T cell metabolic heterogeneity was investigated within and between SLE patients (n = 15) of different sexes, ages, disease severities, and treatment regimens. Preliminary findings indicate a significant decrease in the long lifetime components of both NAD(P)H and FAD and a significant increase in the proportion of free NAD(P)H and protein-bound FAD in SLE patients of high and low disease severity compared to healthy donors. Overall, autofluorescence FLIM could provide a rapid single-cell assessment to monitor SLE disease progression and predict flares, thereby guiding treatment. Funding Sources the Morgridge Institute for Research, the Daniel M. Albert Chair, NIH/NCI R01 CA278051 Topic Categories Basic Autoimmunity (BA)