Single-cell profiling reveals distinct adaptive immune hallmarks in MDA5+ dermatomyositis with therapeutic implications

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5-positive dermatomyositis (MDA5 DM) is an autoimmune condition associated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease and high mortality. The aetiology and pathogenesis of MDA5 DM are still largely unknown. Here we describe the immune signatures of MDA5 DM via single-cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry and multiplex immunohistochemistry in peripheral B and T cells and in affected lung tissue samples from one patient. We find strong peripheral antibody-secreting cell and CD8 T cell responses as cellular immune hallmarks, and over-stimulated type I interferon signaling and associated metabolic reprogramming as molecular immune signature in MDA5 DM. High frequency of circulating ISG15 CD8 T cells at baseline predicts poor one-year survival in MDA5 DM patients. In affected lungs, we find profuse immune cells infiltration, which likely contributes to the pro-fibrotic response via type I interferon production. The importance of type I interferons in MDA5 DM pathology is further emphasized by our observation in a retrospective cohort of MDA5 DM patients that combined calcineurin and Janus kinase inhibitor therapy show superior efficacy to calcineurin inhibitor monotherapy. In summary, this study reveals key immune-pathogenic features of MDA5 DM and provides a potential basis for future tailored therapies.