Differential proteins from EVs identification based on tandem mass tags analysis and effect of Treg-derived EVs on T-lymphocytes in COPD patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread respiratory disease. This study examines extracellular vesicles (EVs) and proteins contained in EVs in COPD.

Blood samples were collected from 40 COPD patients and 10 health controls. Cytokines including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17, were measured by ELISA. Small EVs samples were extracted from plasma and identified by transmission electron microscope (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Western blot. Protein components contained in EVs were analyzed by Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) to identify differential proteins. Treg-derived EV was extracted and added to isolated CD8⁺, Treg, and Th17 subsets to assess its effect on T-lymphocytes.

ELISA revealed higher levels of all cytokines and flow cytometry suggested a higher proportion of Treg and Th17 cells in COPD patients. After identification, TMT analysis identified 207 unique protein components, including five potential COPD biomarkers: BTRC, TRIM28, CD209, NCOA3, and SSR3. Flow cytometry revealed that Treg-derived EVs inhibited differentiation into CD8⁺, CD4⁺, and Th17 cells.

The study shows that cytokines, T-lymphocyte subsets differences in COPD and Treg-derived EVs influence T-lymphocyte differentiation. Identified biomarkers may assist in understanding COPD pathogenesis, prognosis, and therapy. The study contributes to COPD biomarker research.