Single-cell analysis identifies monocyte signatures of disease activity and clinical subtypes in Behçet’s disease

BD was marked by expansion and activation of monocyte subsets, with strong IFN-γ, heat-shock, and antigen-presentation signatures, particularly during active disease. These inflammatory programs decreased in remission, which showed restoration of regulatory and metabolic pathways and increased type I interferon-related gene expression, suggesting a potentially protective role.

Distinct monocyte signatures were also associated with vascular, ocular, and non-organ-involved BD. Overall, the study identifies monocyte-driven inflammation as a central feature of BD and highlights activity- and phenotype-specific pathways that may guide targeted therapies.