LncRNA XLOC_003810 modulates thymic Th17/Treg balance in myasthenia gravis with thymoma

Imbalance of T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cells is involved in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis with thymoma (MG-T). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in the regulation of Th17/Treg balance. This study was designed to explore the role of XLOC_003810, a novel lncRNA, in regulating the Th17/Treg balance in MG-T. The thymic CD4⁺ T cells were isolated from control subjects and MG-T patients. The Th17/Treg balance was evaluated by determining proportions of Th17 and Treg cells and expression of Th17- and Treg- associated molecules. Lentivirus-mediated silencing and overexpression of XLOC_003810 in CD4⁺ T cells were performed. The results showed that XLOC_003810 expression was higher in MG-T thymic CD4⁺ T cells than that in the control group. Furthermore, the ratio of Th17/Treg cells, proportion of Th17 cells and levels of Th17-associated molecules were significantly increased, whereas the proportion of Treg cells and levels of Treg-associated molecules were decreased in MG-T thymic CD4⁺ T cells. Importantly, the Th17/Treg imbalance in MG-T thymic CD4⁺ T cells was aggravated by XLOC_003810 overexpression, whereas it was attenuated by XLOC_003810 silencing. Collectively, XLOC_003810 modulates thymic Th17/Treg balance in MG-T patients, providing the scientific basis for the clinical targeted therapy of MG-T.