Single cell RNA sequencing of SCLE reveals cell heterogeneiy in skin lesions

SCLE is a clinical subtype of cutaneous lupus erythematosus with psoriatic-like or annular papules with scaly erythematosus, the pathological mechanism of SCLE has been poorly understood. To investigate the immune pathogenesis of SCLE, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of SCLE skin lesions and integrated with single cell RNA sequencing data of healthy skin. Our results firstly demonstrated that immune cells such as T, B, macrophage/DC and NK cells increased in the skin lesions of SCLE patients. Secondly, through sub-clustering analysis, GO enrichment analysis and cell communication analysis, we revealed that stromal cells such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts in skin lesions of SCLE enhanced chemotactic function for recruiting immune cells. Importantly, we found widespread high expression of interferon-related genes across almost all cell subtypes in SCLE lesions. Additionally, we revealed a general augmentation in lymphocyte subtypes and an increase in inflammatory myeloid cells such as M1 macrophages and pDC in SCLE lesions. In addition to secreting autoreactive antibodies, B cell subsets were verified to assist local immune responses in SCLE lesions. In conclusion, our investigation provides a comprehensive description of skin lesions in SCLE and suggests a range of potential therapeutic targets. 3 skin lesions of SCLE patients were performed single cell RNA sequencing >>>Submitter states: Raw data not included due to patient privacy concerns. If needed, those who are interest in our data can connect to our manager whose email address is [e-mail] for his permission to our raw data. <<<