1
|
Slot LM, Vergroesen RD, Kerkman PF, Staudinger E, Reijm S, van Dooren HJ, van der Voort EIH, Huizinga TWJ, Toes REM, Scherer HU. Light chain skewing in autoantibodies and B-cell receptors of the citrullinated antigen-binding B-cell response in rheumatoid arthritis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247847. [PMID: 33784344 PMCID: PMC8009422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting 1% of the world population. RA is associated with the presence of autoantibodies, of which anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) are most prominent. ACPA are produced by citrullinated antigen-binding B cells that have presumably survived tolerance checkpoints. So far, it is unclear how and when such autoreactive B cells emerge. Light chain (LC) rearrangement and mutation rates can be informative with regard to selection steps during B-cell development. Therefore, we studied LC characteristics of ACPA-expressing B cells and secreted ACPA with the aim to better understand the development of this disease-specific, autoreactive B-cell response. Paired ACPA-IgG and ACPA-depleted IgG were isolated from serum (n = 87) and synovial fluid (SF, n = 21) of patients with established RA. We determined the LC composition for each fraction by ELISA using kappa(Igκ)- and lambda(Igλ) LC-specific antibodies. Cellular LC expression was determined using flow cytometry. In addition, we used a B-cell receptor (BCR)-specific PCR to obtain LC variable region sequences of citrullinated antigen- and tetanus toxoid (TT)-binding B cells. In serum, we observed an increased frequency of lambda LC in ACPA-IgG (1.64:1) compared to control IgG (2.03:1) and to the κ/λ ratio reported for healthy individuals (2:1). A similar trend towards higher frequencies of lambda LCs was observed for ACPA-IgG in SF (1.84:1). Additionally, the percentage of Igλ-expressing B cells was higher for citrullinated antigen-binding B cells (51%) compared to TT-specific (43%) and total CD19+CD20+ B cells (36%). Moreover, an increased Igλ percentage was observed in BCR-sequences derived from ACPA-expressing (49%) compared to TT-specific B cells (34%). Taken together, we report an enhanced frequency of lambda LCs in the secreted ACPA-IgG repertoire and, on the cellular level, in BCR sequences of ACPA-expressing B cells compared to control. This skewing in the autoreactive B-cell repertoire could reflect a process of active selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda M. Slot
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Priscilla F. Kerkman
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Staudinger
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Reijm
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hugo J. van Dooren
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tom W. J. Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - René E. M. Toes
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hans U. Scherer
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pizzi M, Brignola S, Righi S, Agostinelli C, Bertuzzi C, Pillon M, Semenzato G, Rugge M, Sabattini E. Benign TdT-positive cells in pediatric and adult lymph nodes: a potential diagnostic pitfall. Hum Pathol 2018; 81:131-137. [PMID: 29969607 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Benign terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-positive cells have been documented in a variety of nonhematopoietic tissues. Scant data are, however, available on their presence in nonneoplastic lymph nodes. This study is aimed to (1) characterize the presence/distribution of benign TdT-positive cells in pediatric and adult reactive lymph nodes and (2) define the phenotype and nature of such elements. This retrospective study considered 141 reactive lymph nodes from pediatric and adult patients without history of neoplastic disease. TdT-positive cells were characterized by immunohistochemical and morphometric analyses, and their presence was correlated with the clinical-pathological features. The nature of TdT-positive cells was investigated by (1) double immunostaining for early lymphoid cell markers and (2) assessment of TdT expression in fetal lymph nodes. Sparse TdT-positive cells were documented in all pediatric cases and in most (76%) adult lymph nodes. TdT-positive cell density was higher in children than adults (15.9/mm2 versus 8.6/mm2; P < .05). TdT positivity did not correlate with any clinical or histological parameter, and double immunostaining disclosed a phenotype compatible with early lymphoid precursors (positivity for CD34 and CD10, and variable expression of CD7). A very high TdT-positive cell density (802.4/mm2) was reported in all fetal lymph nodes. In conclusion, TdT-positive cells are a common finding in pediatric and adult lymph nodes. The interstitial distribution and low number of such cells allow for the differential diagnosis with precursor lymphoid neoplasms. The high density in fetal lymph nodes and the phenotype of such cells suggest their belonging to an immature lymphoid subset gradually decreasing with age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pizzi
- General Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Stefano Brignola
- General Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Simona Righi
- Haematopathology Unit, Sant'Orsola University Hospital, Department of Hematology and Oncology/Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Agostinelli
- Haematopathology Unit, Sant'Orsola University Hospital, Department of Hematology and Oncology/Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Clara Bertuzzi
- Haematopathology Unit, Sant'Orsola University Hospital, Department of Hematology and Oncology/Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Pillon
- Clinic of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Semenzato
- Hematology & Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Massimo Rugge
- General Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Sabattini
- Haematopathology Unit, Sant'Orsola University Hospital, Department of Hematology and Oncology/Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many aspects of autoimmune disease are not well understood, including the specificities of autoimmune targets, and patterns of co-morbidity and cross-heritability across diseases. Prior work has provided evidence that somatic mutation caused by gene conversion and deletion at segmentally duplicated loci is relevant to several diseases. Simple tandem repeat (STR) sequence is highly mutable, both somatically and in the germ-line, and somatic STR mutations are observed under inflammation. RESULTS Protein-coding genes spanning STRs having markers of mutability, including germ-line variability, high total length, repeat count and/or repeat similarity, are evaluated in the context of autoimmunity. For the initiation of autoimmune disease, antigens whose autoantibodies are the first observed in a disease, termed primary autoantigens, are informative. Three primary autoantigens, thyroid peroxidase (TPO), phogrin (PTPRN2) and filaggrin (FLG), include STRs that are among the eleven longest STRs spanned by protein-coding genes. This association of primary autoantigens with long STR sequence is highly significant (p<3.0x10(-7)). Long STRs occur within twenty genes that are associated with sixteen common autoimmune diseases and atherosclerosis. The repeat within the TTC34 gene is an outlier in terms of length and a link with systemic lupus erythematosus is proposed. CONCLUSIONS The results support the hypothesis that many autoimmune diseases are triggered by immune responses to proteins whose DNA sequence mutates somatically in a coherent, consistent fashion. Other autoimmune diseases may be caused by coherent somatic mutations in immune cells. The coherent somatic mutation hypothesis has the potential to be a comprehensive explanation for the initiation of many autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Andrew Ross
- Department of Computer Science, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu J, Lange MD, Hong SY, Xie W, Xu K, Huang L, Yu Y, Ehrhardt GRA, Zemlin M, Burrows PD, Su K, Carter RH, Zhang Z. Regulation of VH replacement by B cell receptor-mediated signaling in human immature B cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:5559-66. [PMID: 23630348 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1102503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
VH replacement provides a unique RAG-mediated recombination mechanism to edit nonfunctional IgH genes or IgH genes encoding self-reactive BCRs and contributes to the diversification of Ab repertoire in the mouse and human. Currently, it is not clear how VH replacement is regulated during early B lineage cell development. In this article, we show that cross-linking BCRs induces VH replacement in human EU12 μHC(+) cells and in the newly emigrated immature B cells purified from peripheral blood of healthy donors or tonsillar samples. BCR signaling-induced VH replacement is dependent on the activation of Syk and Src kinases but is inhibited by CD19 costimulation, presumably through activation of the PI3K pathway. These results show that VH replacement is regulated by BCR-mediated signaling in human immature B cells, which can be modulated by physiological and pharmacological treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gevaert P, Nouri-Aria KT, Wu H, Harper CE, Takhar P, Fear DJ, Acke F, De Ruyck N, Banfield G, Kariyawasam HH, Bachert C, Durham SR, Gould HJ. Local receptor revision and class switching to IgE in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Allergy 2013; 68:55-63. [PMID: 23157682 DOI: 10.1111/all.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (NP) and allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by local Th2 inflammation and up-regulation of IgE; however, IgE in NP is 'polyclonal' and allergen specific, whereas IgE in AR is 'oligoclonal' and allergen specific. Germinal center (GC) reactions occur in AR, while only the formation of GC-like structures in NP is described. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of local IgE production, class switch recombination, and receptor revision in NP. METHODS We compared the levels of local IgE, germline gene transcripts, and mature Ig mRNA expression, recombination activating gene (RAG1 and RAG2), key markers of Th2 inflammation, and GC reactions in NP tissue vs AR and control tissue. Nasal mucosa was immunostained for the co-expression of RAG1 and RAG2 in B cells, plasma cells, and T cells, using dual or triple immunofluorescence (IF). RESULTS In NP, local IgE level and key markers of local class switching are increased compared with AR and normal controls (NC). In NP, switch circle transcripts reveal ongoing local class switch recombination to IgE. Up to 30% of B cells, plasma cells, and T cells in nasal polyps re-express both RAG1 and RAG2, required for receptor revision. RAG1 and RAG2 mRNA concentrations are increased in NP and correlated with the magnitude of inflammation and the presence of S. aureus enterotoxin (superantigen)-specific IgE in the nasal polyp mucosa. CONCLUSION Our results provide the first evidence of local receptor revision and class switching to IgE, and B-cell differentiation into IgE-secreting plasma cells in NP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P. Gevaert
- Upper Airways Research Laboratory; Department of Otorhinolaryngology; Ghent University; Ghent; Belgium
| | - K. T. Nouri-Aria
- Allergy & Clinical Immunology; National Heart & Lung Institute; Imperial College London; London; UK
| | | | - C. E. Harper
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics; King's College London; London; UK
| | | | - D. J. Fear
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology; King's College London; London; UK
| | - F. Acke
- Upper Airways Research Laboratory; Department of Otorhinolaryngology; Ghent University; Ghent; Belgium
| | - N. De Ruyck
- Upper Airways Research Laboratory; Department of Otorhinolaryngology; Ghent University; Ghent; Belgium
| | - G. Banfield
- Allergy & Clinical Immunology; National Heart & Lung Institute; Imperial College London; London; UK
| | | | - C. Bachert
- Upper Airways Research Laboratory; Department of Otorhinolaryngology; Ghent University; Ghent; Belgium
| | - S. R. Durham
- Allergy & Clinical Immunology; National Heart & Lung Institute; Imperial College London; London; UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
A large antibody repertoire is generated in developing B cells in the bone marrow. Before these B cells achieve immunocompetence, those expressing autospecificities must be purged. To that end, B cells within the bone marrow and just following egress from the bone marrow are subject to tolerance induction. Once B cells achieve immunocompetence, the antibody repertoire can be further diversified by somatic hypermutation of immunoglobulin genes in B cells that have been activated by antigen and cognate T cell help and have undergone a germinal center (GC) response. This process also leads to the generation of autoreactive B cells which must be again purged to protect the host. Thus, B cells within the GC and just following egress from the GC are also subject to tolerance induction. Available data suggest that B cell intrinsic processes triggered by signaling through the B cell receptor activate tolerance mechanisms at both time points. Recent data suggest that GC and post-GC B cells are also subject to B cell extrinsic tolerance mechanisms mediated through soluble and membrane-bound factors derived from various T cell subsets.
Collapse
|
7
|
Antigenic stimulation induces recombination activating gene 1 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase expression in a murine T-cell hybridoma. Cell Immunol 2012; 274:19-25. [PMID: 22464913 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2012.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Secondary rearrangements of the T cell receptor (TCR) represent a genetic correction mechanism which changes T cell specificity by re-activating V(D)J recombination in peripheral T cells. Murine T-cell hybridoma A1.1 was employed to investigate whether antigenic stimulation induced re-expression of recombinase genes and altered TCR Vβ expression. Following repeated antigenic stimulation, A1.1 cells were induced to re-express recombination activating gene (RAG)1 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) which are generally considered prerequisite to TCR gene rearrangement. Accompanied with the significant changes in TCR mRNA levels over time, it is suggested that secondary rearrangements may be induced in A1.1 cells, which represent a mature T cell clone capable of re-expressing RAG genes and possesses the prerequisite for secondary V(D)J rearrangement.
Collapse
|
8
|
Nikolaisen C, Rekvig OP, Nossent HC. Rheumatoid factor by laser nephelometry and Waaler–Rose assay: prognostic value in patients with recent‐onset rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol 2009; 34:269-76. [PMID: 16195159 DOI: 10.1080/03009740510018606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prognostic value of rheumatoid factor (RF), detected in the Waaler-Rose agglutination assay and by nephelometry, in patients with recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Consecutive patients with new-onset RA between 1993 and 1997 were followed for a median period of 4.7 years. Clinical data at baseline and drug use during the disease course were recorded. Outcome parameters studied were disease process, damage (erosions, joint surgery, extra-articular manifestations, and new co-morbidity), and death. Cut-off levels for RF were >40 IU/mL (nephelometry) and titres 1:160 (Waaler-Rose haemagglutination). RESULTS RF tests were negative by both methods in 22% of RA patients (RF- group), while 33% were RF positive by nephelometry only (RF+ group) and 45% were positive by Waaler-Rose and nephelometry (RF++ group). Baseline clinical and laboratory findings as well as the number of subsequently used disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), the number of patients starting and the time spent on steroid therapy were similar in the three RF groups. Odd ratios for death (n = 23), erosions (n = 62), and serious extra-articular disease manifestations (EAMs) (n = 13) as well as patient survival, erosion-free or surgery-free survival rates did not differ between the RF groups. Only rheumatoid nodules were more frequent in RF++ patients. CONCLUSION The baseline presence of RF by either Waaler-Rose or nephelometry was not associated with differences in drug therapy, morbidity other than rheumatoid nodules, or mortality in RA patients in the first 5 years of disease. Being immunoglobulin M (IgM) RF positive thus had little impact on RA patient outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Nikolaisen
- Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rochas C, Hillion S, Saraux A, Mageed RA, Youinou P, Jamin C, Devauchelle V. Transmembrane BAFF from rheumatoid synoviocytes requires interleukin-6 to induce the expression of recombination-activating gene in B lymphocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 60:1261-71. [PMID: 19404965 DOI: 10.1002/art.24498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE B cells that accumulate in the synovial tissue of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients revise their receptors due to coordinate expression of recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG-1) and RAG-2 genes. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms that control this re-expression. METHODS B cells from healthy control subjects were cocultured with fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA). Re-expression of RAG messenger RNA (mRNA) and proteins was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and indirect immunofluorescence. Activity of RAG enzymes was evaluated by flow cytometry to measure variations in immunoglobulin kappa and lambda light chain expression and by ligation-mediated-PCR to assess specific DNA breaks. Blocking antibodies, short hairpin RNA, and recombinant cytokine were used to identify the molecules involved in RAG re-expression. RESULTS RA FLS, but not OA FLS, induced B cells to re-express RAG mRNA and proteins. Enzymes were functional, since the kappa-to-lambda ratios decreased and specific DNA breaks were detectable after coculture with RA FLS. Transmembrane BAFF provided the first signal of RAG re-expression, since its down-regulation in RA FLS prevented RAG gene transcription in B cells. The failure of transmembrane BAFF from OA FLS to induce RAG suggests that a second signal was provided by RA FLS. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a candidate, since blockade of its receptors precluded transcription of RAG genes by RA FLS. Unless supplemented with IL-6, OA FLS were unable to induce RAG gene expression in normal B cells. CONCLUSION Two independent signals are required for the induction of RAG gene expression in B cells that infiltrate the synovium of patients with RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Rochas
- Université Européenne de Bretagne, Université de Brest, IFR 148 ScInBioS, and Laboratory of Immunology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Brest Hôpital Morvan and Cavale Blanche, Brest, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Belessi C, Stamatopoulos K, Hadzidimitriou A, Hatzi K, Smilevska T, Stavroyianni N, Marantidou F, Paterakis G, Fassas A, Anagnostopoulos A, Laoutaris N. Analysis of expressed and non-expressed IGK locus rearrangements in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Mol Med 2009; 11:52-8. [PMID: 16622520 PMCID: PMC1449522 DOI: 10.2119/2005-00044.belessi] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2005] [Accepted: 03/05/2006] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin kappa (IGK) locus rearrangements were analyzed in parallel on cDNA/genomic DNA in 188 kappa- and 103 lambda-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cases. IGKV-KDE and IGKJ-C-intron-KDE rearrangements were also analyzed on genomic DNA. In kappa-CLL, only 3 of 188 cases carried double in-frame IGKV-J transcripts: in such cases, the possibility that leukemic cells expressed more than one kappa chain cannot be excluded. Twenty-eight kappa-CLL cases also carried nonexpressed (nontranscribed and/or out-of-frame) IGKV-J rearrangements. Taking IGKV-J, IGKV-KDE, and IGKJ-C-intron-KDE rearrangements together, 38% of kappa-CLL cases carried biallelic IGK locus rearrangements. In lambda-CLL, 69 IGKV-J rearrangements were detected in 64 of 103 cases (62%); 24 rearrangements (38.2%) were in-frame. Four cases carried in-frame IGKV-J transcripts but retained monotypic light-chain expression, suggesting posttranscriptional regulation of allelic exclusion. In all, taking IGKV-J, IGKV-KDE, and IGKJ-C-intron-KDE rearrangements together, 97% of lambda-CLL cases had at least 1 rearranged IGK allele, in keeping with normal cells. IG repertoire comparisons in kappa- versus lambda-CLL revealed that CLL precursor cells tried many rearrangements on the same IGK allele before they became lambda producers. Thirteen of 28 and 26 of 69 non-expressed sequences in, respectively, kappa- or lambda-CLL had < 100% homology to germline. This finding might be considered as evidence for secondary rearrangements occurring after the onset of somatic hypermutation, at least in some cases. The inactivation of potentially functional IGKV-J joints by secondary rearrangements indicates active receptor editing in CLL and provides further evidence for the role of antigen in CLL immunopathogenesis.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Cells, Cultured
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/immunology
- Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin Joining Region/biosynthesis
- Immunoglobulin Joining Region/genetics
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/biosynthesis
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/genetics
- Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains/biosynthesis
- Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains/genetics
- Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains/metabolism
- Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains/biosynthesis
- Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains/genetics
- Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Sequence Data
- RNA Editing/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/genetics
- Recombination, Genetic/immunology
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang YH, Diamond B. B cell receptor revision diminishes the autoreactive B cell response after antigen activation in mice. J Clin Invest 2008; 118:2896-907. [PMID: 18636122 DOI: 10.1172/jci35618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2008] [Accepted: 06/11/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoreactive B cells are regulated in the BM during development through mechanisms, including editing of the B cell receptor (BCR), clonal deletion, and anergy. Peripheral B cell tolerance is also important for protection from autoimmune damage, although the mechanisms are less well defined. Here we demonstrated, using a mouse model of SLE-like serology, that during an autoimmune response, RAG was reinduced in antigen-activated early memory or preplasma B cells. Expression of RAG was specific to antigen-reactive B cells, required the function of the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R), and contributed to maintenance of humoral tolerance. We also showed that soluble antigen could diminish a non-autoreactive antibody response through induction of BCR revision. These data suggest that tolerance induction operates in B cells at a postactivation checkpoint and that BCR revision helps regulate autoreactivity generated during an ongoing immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hua Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hase K, Takahashi D, Ebisawa M, Kawano S, Itoh K, Ohno H. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase deficiency causes organ-specific autoimmune disease. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3033. [PMID: 18716662 PMCID: PMC2515643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2008] [Accepted: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) expressed by germinal center B cells is a central regulator of somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR). Humans with AID mutations develop not only the autosomal recessive form of hyper-IgM syndrome (HIGM2) associated with B cell hyperplasia, but also autoimmune disorders by unknown mechanisms. We report here that AID-/- mice spontaneously develop tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) in non-lymphoid tissues including the stomach at around 6 months of age. At a later stage, AID-/- mice develop a severe gastritis characterized by loss of gastric glands and epithelial hyperplasia. The disease development was not attenuated even under germ-free (GF) conditions. Gastric autoantigen -specific serum IgM was elevated in AID-/- mice, and the serum levels correlated with the gastritis pathological score. Adoptive transfer experiments suggest that autoimmune CD4+ T cells mediate gastritis development as terminal effector cells. These results suggest that abnormal B-cell expansion due to AID deficiency can drive B-cell autoimmunity, and in turn promote TLO formation, which ultimately leads to the propagation of organ-specific autoimmune effector CD4+ T cells. Thus, AID plays an important role in the containment of autoimmune diseases by negative regulation of autoreactive B cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Hase
- Research Center for Allergy and Immunology, RIKEN, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Takahashi
- Research Center for Allergy and Immunology, RIKEN, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Supramolecular Biology, International Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masashi Ebisawa
- Research Center for Allergy and Immunology, RIKEN, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Supramolecular Biology, International Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sayaka Kawano
- Research Center for Allergy and Immunology, RIKEN, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kikuji Itoh
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohno
- Research Center for Allergy and Immunology, RIKEN, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Supramolecular Biology, International Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Su W, Gordon JN, Barone F, Boursier L, Turnbull W, Mendis S, Dunn-Walters DK, Spencer J. Lambda light chain revision in the human intestinal IgA response. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 181:1264-71. [PMID: 18606680 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.2.1264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Revision of Ab L chains by secondary rearrangement in mature B cells has the potential to change the specific target of the immune response. In this study, we show for the first time that L chain revision is normal and widespread in the largest Ab producing population in man: intestinal IgA plasma cells (PC). Biases in the productive and non-productive repertoire of lambda L chains, identification of the circular products of rearrangement that have the characteristic biases of revision, and identification of RAG genes and protein all reflect revision during normal intestinal IgA PC development. We saw no evidence of IgH revision, probably due to inappropriately orientated recombination signal sequences, and little evidence of kappa-chain revision, probably due to locus inactivation by the kappa-deleting element. We propose that the lambda L chain locus is available and a principal modifier and diversifier of Ab specificity in intestinal IgA PCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Su
- Department of Immunobiology, Kings College London School of Medicine, Guy's King's College, St Thomas' Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Morbach H, Richl P, Faber C, Singh SK, Girschick HJ. The kappa immunoglobulin light chain repertoire of peripheral blood B cells in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Mol Immunol 2008; 45:3840-6. [PMID: 18614233 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2008] [Accepted: 05/19/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The frequent appearance of antinuclear antibodies in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) indicates a loss of tolerance in B cell differentiation and/or activation. In this analysis, we were interested whether particular changes in the immunoglobulin light chain repertoire might exist in early-onset pauciarticular arthritis (EOPA) patients thereby potentially revealing distinct molecular patterns, which characterize defects in central tolerance mechanisms as well as an autoreactive peripheral B cell repertoire. Using single cell sorting and single cell PCR the distribution of Vkappa Jkappa rearrangements has been analyzed in individual naïve B cells of patients with EOPA-JRA and healthy individuals. The immunoglobulin kappa light chain repertoire of peripheral blood B cells in EOPA patients seems to be skewed to a decreased use of downstream Vkappa gene segments indicating increased events of secondary V(D)J-recombination. Another prominent molecular pattern in JRA B cells seem to be a restricted combination of Vkappa Jkappa rearrangements based on the predominant utilization of the Jkappa 1 and 2 gene segment. The current study indicates disturbances in the peripheral B cell pool in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The peripheral blood B cell pool of JRA patients did show molecular changes in the kappa light chain repertoire which, in part, could be a sequel of secondary V(D)J-recombination and of a molecular bias during immunoglobulin rearrangement in the bone marrow. Thus, B cell tolerance might be broken by more than one pathogenic mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henner Morbach
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital, University of Würzburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hillion S, Dueymes M, Youinou P, Jamin C. IL-6 contributes to the expression of RAGs in human mature B cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 179:6790-8. [PMID: 17982069 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.10.6790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Mature B cells acquire the capacity to revise rearranged Ig V region genes in secondary lymphoid organs. In previous studies, we demonstrated that cross-linking the BCR and the CD40 induces the expression of the RAG1 and RAG2 enzymes and, thereby, secondary rearrangements. We examine herein the mechanism that underpins RAG1 and RAG2 expression in peripheral and tonsil B cells. Coordinated engagement of the BCR and CD40 promoted the synthesis of IL-6 and, thereby, up-regulation of its receptor on activated B lymphocytes. Furthermore, we provide evidence that IL-6 initiates the expression of RAGs in circulating B cells, and extends those in tonsil B cells. Thus, neutralization of IL-6 or blocking of its receptor inhibits RAG expression. Moreover, we demonstrate that IL-6 impedes BCR-mediated termination of RAG gene expression in both population of B cells. The recovered inhibition of RAG gene transcription by IL-6 receptor blockade supports the notion that once recombination is launched, its termination is also regulated by IL-6. Taken together, these studies provide new insight into the dual role of IL-6 in inducing and terminating expression of the recombinase machinery for secondary rearrangements in mature human B cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Hillion
- Laboratory of Immunology, Brest University Medical School Hospital, Brest, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hillion S, Youinou P, Jamin C. Peripheral expression of RAG in human B lymphocytes in normal and pathological conditions is dependent on interleukin-6. Autoimmun Rev 2007; 6:415-20. [PMID: 17537388 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2007.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2007] [Accepted: 01/09/2007] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Establishment of the B cell repertoire is regulated by recombination activating genes RAG1 and RAG2 proteins in the bone marrow. Tolerance of autoreactivity is mainly prevented by receptor editing, i.e. synthesis of a new B cell receptor following re-expression of RAG1 and RAG2. Numerous signals can lead to RAG up-regulation, all in association with soluble cytokines. In the periphery, autoreactive B cells or low-affinity B cell receptor synthesis may appear following antigenic immune response. Receptor revision, i.e. new immunoglobulin gene rearrangement can participate to the control of these lymphocytes following new RAG1 and RAG2 re-induction. Though signals leading to this peripheral RAG up-regulation are poorly described, IL-6 seems to have a preponderant role. Therefore, the elevated levels of IL-6 secreted by activated B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus might contribute to the maintenance of abnormal RAG expression, and in turn may participate to the emergence of autoreactive B cells in the periphery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Hillion
- Laboratory of Immunology Brest University Medical School, BP 824, F29609 Brest, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rochas C, Hillion S, Youinou P, Jamin C, Devauchelle-Pensec V. RAG-mediated secondary rearrangements of B-cell antigen receptors in rheumatoid synovial tissue. Autoimmun Rev 2007; 7:155-9. [PMID: 18035327 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2007.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) induces major changes in synovial tissue (ST) and cartilage and bone destruction. Still, its pathogenesis is poorly understood. Accumulating evidence points to an important role for B lymphocytes. Rheumatoid-ST is characterized by activation of the synoviocytes and infiltrated by various inflammatory cells such as B and T lymphocytes. The infiltrate is diffuse or organized as germinal centers (GCs). These accommodate the immune response and favor self-tolerance breakdown. Receptor revision in B cells results from re-expression of the recombination activating genes (RAGs) which reinitiate immunoglobulin gene recombination, and modify the B-cell antigen receptor accordingly. In rheumatoid ST, secondary VDJ rearrangements occur and RAG proteins are detected. The mechanism that triggers and controls this revision remains elusive. We favor the hypothesis that such an uncontrolled process leads to autoimmunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Rochas
- Laboratory of Immunology, Brest University Medical School Hospital, BP 824, F 29609 Brest, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hillion S, Rochas C, Devauchelle V, Youinou P, Jamin C. Central and Peripheral RAG Protein Re-expression: Underestimate Mechanisms of Tolerance? Scand J Immunol 2006; 64:185-9. [PMID: 16918685 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2006.01801.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The generation of developing B cells in the bone marrow is regulated by recombination activating genes RAG1 and RAG2 proteins. They contribute to the synthesis of functional antibodies (Abs) that can present self-reactivities following V(D)J (V, variable; D, diversity and J, joining) recombination. The emergence of autoreactive B cells is prevented by deletion through apoptosis, by stimulation blockade through anergy, or by synthesis of a new B-cell receptor through receptor edition. In the periphery, somatic hypermutation during the course of germinal centre (GC) responses can lead to the appearance of autoreactive and low-affinity Ab-producing B cells. Apoptotic deletion and receptor revision regulate these autoreactive and inappropriate B cells. Moreover, the presence of RAG-positive B cells outside GCs suggest that still uncharacterized regulation checkpoint, associated with secondary V(D)J recombination, also contribute to the regulation of autoreactivities. Failure in central and/or peripheral tolerance mechanisms associated with RAG expression could contribute to the terminal differentiation of autoreactive B cells leading to autoimmune states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Hillion
- Laboratory of Immunology, Brest University Medical School Hospital, F-29609 Brest, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
The frequent observation of organized lymphoid structures that resemble secondary lymphoid organs in tissues that are targeted by chronic inflammatory processes, such as autoimmunity and infection, has indicated that lymphoid neogenesis might have a role in maintaining immune responses against persistent antigens. In this Review, we discuss recent progress in several aspects of lymphoid neogenesis, focusing on the similarities with lymphoid tissue development, the mechanisms of induction, functional competence and pathophysiological significance. As more information on these issues becomes available, a better understanding of the role of lymphoid neogenesis in promoting chronic inflammation might eventually lead to new strategies to target immunopathological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Aloisi
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Faber C, Morbach H, Singh SK, Girschick HJ. Differential expression patterns of recombination-activating genes in individual mature B cells in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2006; 65:1351-6. [PMID: 16504994 PMCID: PMC1798333 DOI: 10.1136/ard.2005.047878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Re-expression of the recombination-activating genes (RAG) in peripheral B cells may be relevant in the development of autoreactive antibodies in autoimmune diseases. The presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) as a hallmark of oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (o-JIA, early-onset type) indicates a breakdown in immunological tolerance. AIM To examine the expression of RAG genes in peripheral blood mature B lymphocytes in patients with o-JIA. METHODS 777 memory B cells from peripheral blood, CD19+ CD27+ CD5+ or CD19+ CD27+ CD5-, isolated from three ANA+ children with o-JIA and three healthy age-matched children, were examined for the expression of RAG1 and RAG2 mRNA. mRNA transcripts of activation-induced cytidine deaminase and immunoglobulin G were searched to further determine their developmental stage. RESULTS mRNA was present for any of the two RAG genes in the B cells of children with JIA and controls. However, the predominance of RAG1 or RAG2 was different. A significantly decreased frequency of RAG2-expressing memory B cells in both CD5+ and CD5- populations was noted in children with JIA (p<0.001), whereas the number of RAG1-expressing B cells was slightly increased. The coordinate expression of both the RAG genes was a rare event, similar in the CD5+ populations (1% in controls, 2% in children with JIA), but different among the CD5- compartments (5% v 0%; p<0.01). CONCLUSION These results argue for a reduced coordinate RAG expression in the peripheral CD5- memory B cells of patients with o-JIA. Thus, it was hypothesised that impaired receptor revision contributes to autoimmune pathogenesis in JIA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Faber
- Section of Paediatric Rheumatology and Osteology, Children's Hospital, University of Würzburg, Josef Schneider Str 2, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chaiamnuay S, Bridges SL. The role of B cells and autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 12:203-16. [PMID: 16102949 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2005.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we will review B lymphocyte development and function, then discuss the role of B cells in RA, including immune complex formation; the K/BxN mouse model of RA; toll-like receptors; B cells as antigen presenting cells; germinal center-like structures in RA synovium; and influence on T cell activation, leukocyte infiltration, and angiogenesis. With regard to autoantibody production, we will focus on rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies, particularly mechanisms of their production; sensitivity and specificity in RA; and their roles as prognostic factors. Other autoantibodies will be discussed, as will treatment implications and future areas of investigation related to B cells and autoantibodies in RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumapa Chaiamnuay
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, 1530 3rd Avenue South, LHRB 412, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0007, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hillion S, Rochas C, Youinou P, Jamin C. Expression and Reexpression of Recombination Activating Genes: Relevance to the Development of Autoimmune States. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2005; 1050:10-8. [PMID: 16014516 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1313.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Like all antibodies, autoreactive antibodies are generated in developing B cells in the bone marrow by variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) recombination under the regulation of recombination activating gene (RAG) 1 and RAG2 proteins. Deletion, anergy, and receptor edition prevent the emergence of autoreactive B cells. In the periphery, somatic hypermutation during the course of germinal center responses can lead to the emergence of autoreactive and low-affinity antibody-producing B cells. Deletion and receptor revision regulate autoreactive and inappropriate B cells. Defects in central or peripheral tolerance mechanisms associated with RAG expression could contribute to the appearance of autoreactive B cells. We demonstrate the presence of RAG(+) B cells in CD5-expressing cells outside germinal centers. Our data suggest that receptor revision in the periphery also may occur in unusual sites when B cells are induced to express CD5. This revision may correspond to a novel regulation checkpoint in which impaired control of RAG expression could generate autoreactive B cells and lead to autoimmune states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Hillion
- Laboratory of Immunology, Brest University Medical School Hospital, BP824, F29609 Brest, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ghosh S, Steere AC, Stollar BD, Huber BT. In Situ Diversification of the Antibody Repertoire in Chronic Lyme Arthritis Synovium. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 174:2860-9. [PMID: 15728496 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.174.5.2860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Lyme arthritis is initiated by the tick-borne spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. In a subset of patients, symptoms do not resolve in response to standard courses of antibiotics. Chronic joint inflammation may persist despite spirochetal killing, suggesting an autoimmune etiology. The pathogenic mechanisms that sustain chronic Lyme arthritis have not been fully elucidated, although T cells are believed to play a role. The synovial lesion contains elements of a peripheral lymph node, with lymphoid aggregates, plasma cells and follicular dendritic cells. An analysis of activated cells at the site of injury could yield clues regarding the nature of the response and the identity of potential autoantigens. Using laser-capture microdissection, we have isolated plasma cells from the joint tissue of chronic Lyme arthritis patients who underwent synovectomy. Expressed Ig V regions were amplified by RT-PCR. A majority of isolated cells expressed gamma H chains, which is indicative of a class-switched response. There were a large number of nucleotide substitutions from germline, with a higher fraction of replacement mutations in the CDRs, suggesting a process of Ag-driven selection. We have recovered clonal clusters of cells containing identical junctions and V(D)J rearrangements. Sequence analysis reveals a hierarchy of shared somatic mutations between members of a given clone. Intraclonal diversity among plasma cells of close physical proximity points toward an ongoing process of diversification and affinity maturation, possibly driven by the chronic presence of an autoantigen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srimoyee Ghosh
- Department of Pathology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sening W, Lisner R, Niedobitek G. Rare detection of phenotypically immature lymphocytes in Hashimoto thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis. J Autoimmun 2004; 22:147-52. [PMID: 14987743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2003.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2003] [Revised: 12/03/2003] [Accepted: 12/15/2003] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that recombination activating gene (RAG)-dependent revision of the immunoglobulin genes in germinal centres may contribute to local production of autoantibodies in Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To test this hypothesis we examined HT and RA tissues for expression of RAG and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) in situ. Paraffin-embedded tissues from 19 HT patients and from 20 RA patients were subjected to immunohistochemistry using TdT-specific antibodies. Expression of the RAGs was studied by in situ hybridisation. Tonsil sections were used as a control. Expression of TdT and RAGs was detected in extrafollicular lymphocytes in control tonsil sections. By contrast, only rare TdT-expressing cells were identified in 11 of 19 HT and in 2 of 20 RA samples. Germinal centre B-cells were consistently TdT- and RAG-negative. These results suggest that local RAG-dependent receptor revision in germinal centres is unlikely to contribute to production of autoantibodies in HT and RA. The presence of TdT-positive extrafollicular cells may represent an influx of immature cells in the context of chronic immune stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Sening
- Institute for Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Krankenhausstr. 8-10, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
First observed in mouse pre-B-cell lines and then in knock-in mice carrying self-reactive IgH transgenes, VH replacement has now been shown to contribute to the primary B-cell repertoire in humans. Through recombination-activating gene (RAG)-mediated recombination between a cryptic recombination signal sequence (RSS) present in almost all VH genes and the flanking 23 base pair RSS of an upstream VH gene, VH replacement renews the entire VH-coding region, while leaving behind a short stretch of nucleotides as a VH replacement footprint. In addition to extending the CDR3 region, the VH replacement footprints preferentially contribute charged amino acids. VH replacement rearrangement in immature B cells may either eliminate a self-reactive B-cell receptor or contribute to the generation of self-reactive antibodies. VH replacement may also rescue non-productive or dysfunctional VHDJH rearrangement in pro-B and pre-B cells. Conversely, VH replacement of a productive immunoglobulin H gene may generate non-productive VH replacement to disrupt or temporarily reverse the B-cell differentiation process. VH replacement can thus play a complex role in the generation of the primary B-cell repertoire.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Zhang
- Division of Developmental and Clinical Immunology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-3300, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Perfetti V, Vignarelli MC, Palladini G, Navazza V, Giachino C, Merlini G. Insights into the regulation of immunoglobulin light chain gene rearrangements via analysis of the kappa light chain locus in lambda myeloma. Immunology 2004; 112:420-7. [PMID: 15196210 PMCID: PMC1782513 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2567.2004.01902.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that B cells may undergo sequential rearrangements at the light chain loci, despite already expressing light chain receptors. This phenomenon may occur in the bone marrow and, perhaps, in germinal centers. As immunoglobulin (Ig)kappa light chains usually rearrange before Iglambda light chains, we analysed, by polymerase chain reaction, the Igkappa locus of bone marrow mononuclear cells from 29 patients with Iglambda myeloma to identify earlier recombinations in marrow plasma cells. The results demonstrated that Igkappa alleles were inactivated via the kappa-deleting element, presumably prior to V(kappa)-J(kappa) rearrangement, in many cases. Eighteen alleles (16 myeloma clones, 55%) showed V(kappa)-J(kappa) rearrangements, with increased utilization of 5' distant V(kappa) and 3' distant Jkappa gene segments (Jkappa4, 56%), an indication of multiple sequential rearrangements. In-frame, potentially functional V(kappa)-J(kappa) rearrangements were found in approximately one-third of available rearrangements (as expected by chance), each one in different myeloma clones: three were germline encoded, while one had several nucleotide substitutions, suggesting inactivation after the onset of somatic hypermutation. Three of four potentially functional V(kappa)-J(kappa)rearrangements involved V(kappa)4-1, a segment considered to be associated with autoimmunity. These findings provide insights into the regulation of light chain rearrangements and support the view that B cells may occasionally undergo sequential light chain rearrangements after the onset of somatic hypermutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Perfetti
- Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo-University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Nagafuchi H, Yoshikawa H, Takeba Y, Nara K, Miura K, Kurokawa MS, Suzuki N. Recombination activating genes (RAG) induce secondary Ig gene rearrangement in and subsequent apoptosis of human peripheral blood circulating B lymphocytes. Clin Exp Immunol 2004; 136:76-84. [PMID: 15030517 PMCID: PMC1808993 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2004.02423.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombination activating gene (RAG) re-expression and secondary Ig gene rearrangement in mature B lymphocytes have been reported. Here, we have studied RAG expression of peripheral blood B lymphocytes in humans. Normal B cells did not express RAG1 and RAG2 spontaneously. More than a half of circulating B cells expressed RAG proteins, when activated with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I (SAC) + IL-2. DNA binding activity of the RAG complex has been verified by a gel shift assay employing the recombination signal sequence (RSS). Secondary Ig light chain rearrangement in the RAG-expressing B cells was confirmed by linker-mediated (LM)-PCR. Highly purified surface kappa+ B cells activated by SAC + IL-2 became RAG+, and thereafter they started to express lambda chain mRNA. 2 colour immunofluorescence analysis disclosed that a part of the RAG+ cells derived from the purified kappa+ B cells activated by SAC + IL-2 turned to lambda+ phenotype in vitro. Similarly, apoptosis induction was observed in a part of the RAG+ B cells. Our study suggests that a majority of peripheral blood B cells re-expresses RAG and the RAG+ B lymphocytes could be eliminated from the B cell repertoire either by changing Ag receptor specificity due to secondary rearrangement or by apoptosis induction. Thus, RAG expression of mature B cells in peripheral blood would contribute to not only receptor revision for further diversification of B cell repertoire but in some cases (or in some B cell subsets) to prevention or induction of autoAb responses at this differentiation stage in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Nagafuchi
- Department of Immunology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Dörner T, Burmester GR. The role of B cells in rheumatoid arthritis: mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2003; 15:246-52. [PMID: 12707577 DOI: 10.1097/00002281-200305000-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the role of B cells as part of the immune system has been remarkably expanded in the past few years. Autoimmunity, the production of autoantibodies or the activation and expansion of autoimmune T cells, is relatively common, whereas the development of autoimmune diseases with destruction of tissue is much less frequent. In rheumatoid arthritis, the autoantigen(s) involved in tissue damage and their role in disease have not been fully elucidated. Recent data suggest that the impact of B cells in rheumatoid arthritis may be of significance; therefore, a depleting anti-B cell therapy appears to be another therapeutic strategy. This review will focus on recent findings of the role of B cells in rheumatoid arthritis and the implications to target B cells in this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dörner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Nemazee D, Hogquist KA. Antigen receptor selection by editing or downregulation of V(D)J recombination. Curr Opin Immunol 2003; 15:182-9. [PMID: 12633668 DOI: 10.1016/s0952-7915(03)00008-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Clonal selection is central to immune function, but it is complemented by "receptor selection", which regulates the immune repertoire not by cell death or proliferation but through the control of antigen receptor gene recombination. Inappropriate receptors, such as those that are autoreactive, underexpressed, or that fail to promote positive selection of thymocytes or B cells, stimulate secondary V-to-J recombinations that destroy and replace receptor genes. These processes play a central role in lymphocyte repertoire development. Recent work on the role of receptor selection in B and T cells has uncovered evidence for and against antigen-induced editing in thymocytes. Many studies suggest that editing plays a central role in B and T lymphocyte repertoire development. Important recent evidence has been uncovered addressing the role of tolerance-induced editing in thymocytes.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Down-Regulation/immunology
- Gene Rearrangement/immunology
- Genes, Immunoglobulin/genetics
- Humans
- Models, Biological
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Nemazee
- Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, Mail Drop IM-29, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Dörner T, Lipsky PE. Abnormalities of B cell phenotype, immunoglobulin gene expression and the emergence of autoimmunity in Sjögren's syndrome. ARTHRITIS RESEARCH 2002; 4:360-71. [PMID: 12453312 PMCID: PMC153845 DOI: 10.1186/ar603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2002] [Revised: 09/05/2002] [Accepted: 09/16/2002] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by specific pathologic features and the production of typical autoantibodies. In addition, characteristic changes in the distribution of peripheral B cell subsets and differences in use of immunoglobulin variable-region genes are also features of pSS. Comparison of B cells from the blood and parotid gland of patients with pSS with those of normal donors suggests that there is a depletion of memory B cells from the peripheral blood and an accumulation or retention of these antigen-experienced B cells in the parotids. Because disordered selection leads to considerable differences in the B cell repertoire in these patients, the delineation of its nature should provide important further clues to the pathogenesis of this autoimmune inflammatory disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dörner
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Charité, Berlin, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|