# Distinct T Cell Receptor Clonotypes in the Sardinian Population Highlight the Role of Mucosal‐Associated Invariant T Cells and Invariant Natural Killer T Cells in Multiple Sclerosis

## TL;DR

The study finds specific T cell receptor clonotypes linked to multiple sclerosis in Sardinia, highlighting roles of MAIT and iNKT cells and a possible connection to HCV.

## Contribution

Identifies distinct TCR clonotypes in MS patients from Sardinia, emphasizing MAIT/iNKT cells and HCV-specific repertoires.

## Key findings

- 119 TCRβ and 521 TCRα clonotypes were more frequent in MS patients than controls.
- MAIT and iNKT cells are involved in MS pathogenesis in Sardinia.
- HCV-specific TCR repertoires are enriched in MS patients.

## Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, driven by T‐cell mediated immune responses. Studying T‐cell receptor (TCR) clonotypes specific to MS in distinct populations can provide insights into disease mechanisms. The Sardinian population, with its unique genetic background resulting from geographical isolation, presents a high‐risk cohort for MS research, offering a valuable context for understanding the disease's pathogenesis. We analysed the frequency of unique TCR clonotypes in peripheral blood samples from Sardinian MS patients and healthy controls, focusing on TCRα and TCRβ CDR3 sequences. Clonotypes were functionally annotated for antigen‐specific interactions, and hierarchical analysis was performed to identify shared TCR clonotypes between MS patients and healthy controls. A total of 119 TCRβ and 521 TCRα CDR3 clonotypes were significantly more frequent in MS patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). Several TCR‐α clonotypes, such as CAVLDSNYQLIW (a MAIT cell clonotype targeting the BST2 antigen) and CAVNTGNQFYF (cross‐reactive to multiple antigens, including CMV p65 and BST2), were identified as specific to MS. Shared clonotype analysis revealed the involvement of mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in MS pathogenesis. Notably, HCV‐specific TCR‐α clonotypes (NS3‐HCV) were significantly increased in MS patients, suggesting a link between infectious disease‐related and autoimmune‐related clonotypes. No significant differences were observed for other antigens, such as VP22, p65 and BST2. This study identifies distinct TCR clonotypes associated with MS in the Sardinian population, highlighting the role of MAIT and iNKT cells in the disease's pathogenesis. The findings suggest that HCV‐specific TCR repertoires may contribute to the development of MS. These results improve our understanding of T‐cell mediated immune mechanisms in MS and offer potential targets for therapeutic intervention, particularly within the Sardinian cohort.

Antigen‐specific TCR‐α clonotype frequencies in MS and HC groups. (A) Heatmap of CDR3 TCR‐α clonotype annotations. (B) Comparative analysis of CDR3 TCR‐α clonotypes targeting viral and autoimmune‐related antigens, including VP22, p65, NS4B, MLANA, M1, HA and BST2. NS3‐HCV‐specific CDR3 clonotypes are significantly enriched in MS patients.