Novel Molecular Signatures of Peripheral Regulatory T Cells in Kidney Disease Associated with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Background – Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D). T1D and some kidney disorders are often associated with abnormalities in regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, it is unknown if Treg subsets and their molecular architecture are altered during the onset and progression of DKD in T1D.Methods – We addressed this critical knowledge gap by characterizing changes in Tregs isolated from 31 participants (10 control, 13 with T1D, and eight T1D with albuminuria) using flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, and microRNA profiling.Results – We identified that the effector and central memory Tregs were significantly different between groups. Similarly, multiple gene tr..