The role of CD8+ Granzyme B+ T cells in the pathogenesis of Takayasu's arteritis.

Our results disclose that the CD8+ T lymphocytes may play a role in TAK pathogenesis. Targeting CD8+GranzymeB+ T lymphocytes or Granzyme B inhibitors could be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of TAK. Key Points • Our study investigated role the of CD8+ T cell subsets in TAK. • We found the percentages of CD8+GranzymeB+ T cells, CD8+Perforin+ T cells, and CD8+IFN-γ+ T cells in CD3+CD8+T cells were higher in TAK patients. • The proportion of CD8+T cells in lymphocytes and the ratio of CD8+GranzymeB+ T cells/CD8+ T cells were significantly lower in TAK patients after treatment.