Three-dimensional spatial transcriptomics uncovers cell type dynamics in the rheumatoid arthritis synovium

Abstract

Abstract The inflamed rheumatic joint is a highly heterogeneous and complex tissue with dynamic recruitment and expansion of multiple cell types that interact in multifaceted ways within a localized area. Rheumatoid arthritis synovium has primarily been studied either by immunostaining or by molecular profiling after tissue homogenization. Here, we use Spatial Transcriptomics to study local cellular interactions at the site of chronic synovial inflammation. We report comprehensive spatial RNA-seq data coupled to quantitative and cell type-specific chemokine-driven dynamics at and around organized structures of infiltrating leukocyte cells in the synovium.