Integrin and transcriptomic profiles identify a distinctive synovial CD8+ T cell subpopulation in spondyloarthritis.

We have identified a novel integrin-expressing mature CD8+ T cell population (CD49a+CD103+β7+CD29+) that appears to be more prevalent in AS SF than RA SF. These cells seem to possess dual cytotoxic and regulatory profiles which may play a role in AS pathogenesis.