Single cell profiling reveals a reduction of CD56dim NK-cells and other immune cells in patients with Meniere disease and high levels of cytokines

Abstract

Background Meniere Disease (MD) is an inner ear syndrome, characterized by sensorineural hearing loss associated with episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and aural fullness. The pathological mechanism leading to sporadic MD is still poorly understood, however an inflammatory response seems to be involved in some patients with MD. Methods We performed mass cytometry immunoprofiling on peripheral blood from MD patients and controls to decipher an immune signature associated with the syndrome. Results We have identified two clusters of individuals according to the single cell cytokine profile. These clusters presented differences in immune cell population abundance, including a reduction of CD56dim NK-cells, and changes in cytokine expression with a different response to bacterial and fungal antigens. Moreover, we observe a difference in the levels of IgE between these two clusters. Conclusions Our results support a systemic inflammatory response in some MD patients that show an allergic phenotype, which could benefit from personalized IL-4 blockers. Immunoprofiling of patients with MD may lead to a better understanding of endotypes of the disease.