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McGrath S, Grimstad K, Thorarinsdottir K, Forslind K, Glinatsi D, Leu Agelii M, Aranburu A, Sundell T, Jonsson CA, Camponeschi A, Hultgård Ekwall AK, Tilevik A, Gjertsson I, Mårtensson IL. Correlation of Professional Antigen-Presenting Tbet +CD11c + B Cells With Bone Destruction in Untreated Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024. [PMID: 38570939 DOI: 10.1002/art.42857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Subsets of CD21-/low memory B cells (MBCs), including double-negative (DN, CD27-IgD-) and Tbet+CD11c+ cells, are expanded in chronic inflammatory diseases. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), CD21-/low MBCs correlate with joint destruction. However, whether this is due to the Tbet+CD11c+ subset, its function and pathogenic contribution to RA are unknown. This study aims to investigate the association between CD21-/lowTbet+CD11c+ MBCs and joint destruction as well as other clinical parameters and to elucidate their functional properties in patients with untreated RA (uRA). METHODS Clinical observations were combined with flow cytometry (n = 36) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and V(D)J sequencing (n = 4) of peripheral blood (PB) MBCs from patients with uRA. The transcriptome of circulating Tbet+CD11c+ MBCs was compared with scRNA-seq data of synovial B cells. In vitro coculture of Tbet+CD11c+ B cells with T cells was used to assess costimulatory capacity. RESULTS CD21-/lowTbet+CD11c+ MBCs in PB correlated with bone destruction but no other clinical parameters analyzed. The Tbet+CD11c+ MBCs have undergone clonal expansion and express somatically mutated V genes. Gene expression analysis of these cells identified a unique signature of more than 150 up-regulated genes associated with antigen presentation functions, including B cell receptor activation and clathrin-mediated antigen internalization; regulation of actin filaments, endosomes, and lysosomes; antigen processing, loading, presentation, and costimulation; a transcriptome mirrored in their synovial tissue counterparts. In vitro, Tbet+CD11c+ B cells induced retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor γT expression in CD4+ T cells, thereby polarizing to Th17 cells, a T cell subset critical for osteoclastogenesis and associated with bone destruction. CONCLUSION This study suggests that Tbet+CD11c+ MBCs contribute to the pathogenesis of RA by promoting bone destruction through antigen presentation, T cell activation, and Th17 polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah McGrath
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Grimstad
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, and School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Katrin Thorarinsdottir
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Forslind
- Lund University, Lund, Sweden, and Spenshult Research and Development Centre, Halmstad, Sweden
| | | | - Monica Leu Agelii
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alaitz Aranburu
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Timothy Sundell
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Charlotte A Jonsson
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Camponeschi
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Hultgård Ekwall
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Inger Gjertsson
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Inga-Lill Mårtensson
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Boni A, Nicolai R, Caiello I, Marinaro F, Farina L, Pires Marafon D, Carsetti R, De Benedetti F, Bracaglia C, Marasco E. Hyperactivation and altered selection of B cells in patients with paediatric Sjogren's syndrome. RMD Open 2024; 10:e003800. [PMID: 38453214 PMCID: PMC10921545 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Paediatric Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a rare chronic autoimmune disorder, characterised by inflammation of exocrine glands. B cell hyperactivation plays a central role in adult-onset Sjogren. This study was designed to analyse B cell and T cell phenotype, levels of BAFF, and selection of autoreactive B cells in patients with pSS. METHODS A total of 17 patients diagnosed with pSS and 13 healthy donors (controls) comparable for age were enrolled in the study. B cell and T cell subsets and frequency of autoreactive B cells in peripheral blood were analysed by flow cytometry. Levels of BAFF were analysed by ELISA. RESULTS The relative frequency of total B cells, transitional, naïve and switched memory B cells was similar between pSS patients and controls. In patients with pSS, we observed a reduction in the frequency of unswitched memory B cells, an increased frequency of atypical memory B cells and an expansion of PD1hi CXCR5- T peripheral helper cells. Levels of BAFF were higher in patients with pSS compared with controls and correlated with serum levels of total IgG and titres of anti-Ro antibodies. The frequency of autoreactive B cells in the transitional, unswitched memory and plasmablast compartment was significantly higher in pSS patients than in controls. CONCLUSIONS Our results point to a hyperactivation of B cells in pSS. Current therapies do not seem to affect B cell abnormalities, suggesting that novel therapies targeting specifically B cell hyperactivation need to be implemented for paediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Boni
- Division of Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rebecca Nicolai
- Division of Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Caiello
- Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Marinaro
- Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Luciapia Farina
- Laboratory of Immuno-Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Rita Carsetti
- B cell unit, Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Bracaglia
- Division of Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliano Marasco
- Division of Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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3
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Bemark M, Pitcher MJ, Dionisi C, Spencer J. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue: a microbiota-driven hub of B cell immunity. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:211-223. [PMID: 38402045 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The diverse gut microbiota, which is associated with mucosal health and general wellbeing, maintains gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) in a chronically activated state, including sustainment of germinal centers in a context of high antigenic load. This influences the rules for B cell engagement with antigen and the potential consequences. Recent data have highlighted differences between GALT and other lymphoid tissues. For example, GALT propagates IgA responses against glycans that show signs of having been generated in germinal centers. Other findings suggest that humans are among those species where GALT supports the diversification, propagation, and possibly selection of systemic B cells. Here, we review novel findings that identify GALT as distinctive, and able to support these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Bemark
- Department of Translational Medicine - Human Immunology, Lund University, J Waldenströms gata 35, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Michael J Pitcher
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, St Thomas' Street, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Chiara Dionisi
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, St Thomas' Street, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Jo Spencer
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, St Thomas' Street, London SE1 9RT, UK.
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4
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Thorarinsdottir K, McGrath S, Forslind K, Agelii ML, Ekwall AKH, Jacobsson LTH, Rudin A, Mårtensson IL, Gjertsson I. Cartilage destruction in early rheumatoid arthritis patients correlates with CD21 -/low double-negative B cells. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:23. [PMID: 38225658 PMCID: PMC10789032 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03264-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Involvement of B cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is supported by the presence of disease-specific autoantibodies and the efficacy of treatment directed against B cells. B cells that express low levels of or lack the B cell receptor (BCR) co-receptor CD21, CD21-/low B cells, have been linked to autoimmune diseases, including RA. In this study, we characterized the CD21+ and CD21-/low B cell subsets in newly diagnosed, early RA (eRA) patients and investigated whether any of the B cell subsets were associated with autoantibody status, disease activity and/or joint destruction. METHODS Seventy-six eRA patients and 28 age- and sex-matched healthy donors were recruited. Multiple clinical parameters were assessed, including disease activity and radiographic joint destruction. B cell subsets were analysed in peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) using flow cytometry. RESULTS Compared to healthy donors, the eRA patients displayed an elevated frequency of naïve CD21+ B cells in PB. Amongst memory B cells, eRA patients had lower frequencies of the CD21+CD27+ subsets and CD21-/low CD27+IgD+ subset. The only B cell subset found to associate with clinical factors was the CD21-/low double-negative (DN, CD27-IgD-) cell population, linked with the joint space narrowing score, i.e. cartilage destruction. Moreover, in SF from patients with established RA, the CD21-/low DN B cells were expanded and these cells expressed receptor activator of the nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL). CONCLUSIONS Cartilage destruction in eRA patients was associated with an expanded proportion of CD21-/low DN B cells in PB. The subset was also expanded in SF from established RA patients and expressed RANKL. Taken together, our results suggest a role for CD21-/low DN in RA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Thorarinsdottir
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Center for Rheumatology Research, University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Sarah McGrath
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Forslind
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Section of Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Spenshult Research and Development Centre, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Monica Leu Agelii
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Hultgård Ekwall
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lennart T H Jacobsson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Rudin
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Inga-Lill Mårtensson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Inger Gjertsson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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5
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Olivieri G, Cotugno N, Palma P. Emerging insights into atypical B cells in pediatric chronic infectious diseases and immune system disorders: T(o)-bet on control of B-cell immune activation. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:12-27. [PMID: 37890706 PMCID: PMC10842362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive or persistent cellular stimulation in vivo has been associated with the development of a heterogeneous B-cell population that exhibits a distinctive phenotype and, in addition to classical B-cell markers, often expresses the transcription factor T-bet and myeloid marker CD11c. Research suggests that this atypical population consists of B cells with distinct B-cell receptor specificities capable of binding the antigens responsible for their development. The expansion of this population occurs in the presence of chronic inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases where different nomenclatures have been used to describe them. However, as a result of the diverse contexts in which they have been investigated, these cells have remained largely enigmatic, with much ambiguity remaining regarding their phenotype and function in humoral immune response as well as their role in autoimmunity. Atypical B cells have garnered considerable interest because of their ability to produce specific antibodies and/or autoantibodies and because of their association with key disease manifestations. Although they have been widely described in the context of adults, little information is present for children. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to describe the characteristics of this population, suggest their function in pediatric immune-related diseases and chronic infections, and explore their potential therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Olivieri
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; PhD Program in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Cotugno
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, Molecular Medicine, and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Palma
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, Molecular Medicine, and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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6
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Budeus B, Kibler A, Küppers R. Human IgM-expressing memory B cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1308378. [PMID: 38143767 PMCID: PMC10748387 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of T cell dependent (TD) humoral immune responses is the generation of long-lived memory B cells. The generation of these cells occurs primarily in the germinal center (GC) reaction, where antigen-activated B cells undergo affinity maturation as a major consequence of the combined processes of proliferation, somatic hypermutation of their immunoglobulin V (IgV) region genes, and selection for improved affinity of their B-cell antigen receptors. As many B cells also undergo class-switching to IgG or IgA in these TD responses, there was traditionally a focus on class-switched memory B cells in both murine and human studies on memory B cells. However, it has become clear that there is also a large subset of IgM-expressing memory B cells, which have important phenotypic and functional similarities but also differences to class-switched memory B cells. There is an ongoing discussion about the origin of distinct subsets of human IgM+ B cells with somatically mutated IgV genes. We argue here that the vast majority of human IgM-expressing B cells with somatically mutated IgV genes in adults is indeed derived from GC reactions, even though a generation of some mostly lowly mutated IgM+ B cells from other differentiation pathways, mainly in early life, may exist.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ralf Küppers
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg–Essen, Essen, Germany
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7
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Haas KM. Noncanonical B Cells: Characteristics of Uncharacteristic B Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1257-1265. [PMID: 37844278 PMCID: PMC10593487 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
B lymphocytes were originally described as a cell type uniquely capable of secreting Abs. The importance of T cell help in Ab production was revealed soon afterward. Following these seminal findings, investigators made great strides in delineating steps in the conventional pathway that B cells follow to produce high-affinity Abs. These studies revealed generalized, or canonical, features of B cells that include their developmental origin and paths to maturation, activation, and differentiation into Ab-producing and memory cells. However, along the way, examples of nonconventional B cell populations with unique origins, age-dependent development, tissue localization, and effector functions have been revealed. In this brief review, features of B-1a, B-1b, marginal zone, regulatory, killer, NK-like, age-associated, and atypical B cells are discussed. Emerging work on these noncanonical B cells and functions, along with the study of their significance for human health and disease, represents an exciting frontier in B cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Haas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
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8
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Šlisere B, Arisova M, Aizbalte O, Salmiņa MM, Zolovs M, Levenšteins M, Mukāns M, Troickis I, Meija L, Lejnieks A, Bīlande G, Rosser EC, Oļeiņika K. Distinct B cell profiles characterise healthy weight and obesity pre- and post-bariatric surgery. Int J Obes (Lond) 2023; 47:970-978. [PMID: 37463992 PMCID: PMC10511309 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-023-01344-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction and inflammation can be ameliorated by bariatric surgery. While obesity is also linked to impaired B cell activation, differentiation, and persistence in response to infection and vaccination little is known about post-operative immune B cell compartment and to what extent dysregulation in B cell pathways can be reversed. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we carried out in-depth evaluation of B cell composition in individuals with obesity prior to and following bariatric surgery compared to lean controls. SUBJECTS/METHODS We recruited individuals with obesity (BMI at least 35 kg/m2) before bariatric surgery (n = 21) and followed them up 6 months post-operatively (n = 17). As controls we recruited age- and sex-matched lean (BMI < 25) individuals (n = 18). We carried out comprehensive immunophenotyping of peripheral blood B cells as well as interrogated their association with inflammatory and metabolic parameters. RESULTS In obesity the balance of antigen-inexperienced and memory B cells in the peripheral blood is altered, with an expansion of naïve and a reduction in total memory B cells. 6 months following bariatric surgery this balance is restored. However, post-operative patients are uniquely characterised by an increase in B cell subsets associated with chronic inflammation - CD11c+CXCR5-IgD-CD27- double negative 2 (DN2) B cells and CD27+CD38++ plasmablasts. Correlations between B cells subsets, inflammatory and metabolic parameters were distinct in lean people and individuals with obesity pre- and post-bariatric surgery. CONCLUSIONS Bariatric surgery patients display a unique B cell profile 6 months post-operatively; this bears minimal resemblance to that of pre-operative patients and only partially overlaps with that of lean controls. Post-operative differences in the B cell compartment compared to lean controls are detected despite global amelioration of inflammation and restoration of metabolic health. Collectively, this indicates that bariatric surgery creates a specific immunometabolic state with potential implications for health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Šlisere
- Department of Doctoral Studies, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Joint Laboratory, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - M Arisova
- Department of Sports and Nutrition, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Daugavpils Regional Hospital, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - O Aizbalte
- Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - M M Salmiņa
- Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - M Zolovs
- Statistics Unit, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | | | - M Mukāns
- Statistics Unit, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Aiwa clinic, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - L Meija
- Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - A Lejnieks
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Riga East University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | - G Bīlande
- Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Aiwa clinic, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - E C Rosser
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at UCL, UCLH and GOSH and Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, UCL, London, UK
| | - K Oļeiņika
- Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia.
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia.
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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9
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Tangye SG. Do multiple subsets of CD11c + B cells exist? You (T)-Bet! J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:607-609. [PMID: 37495119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart G Tangye
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales Sydney.
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10
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Hecker M, Fitzner B, Boxberger N, Putscher E, Engelmann R, Bergmann W, Müller M, Ludwig-Portugall I, Schwartz M, Meister S, Dudesek A, Winkelmann A, Koczan D, Zettl UK. Transcriptome alterations in peripheral blood B cells of patients with multiple sclerosis receiving immune reconstitution therapy. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:181. [PMID: 37533036 PMCID: PMC10394872 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02859-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease that leads to irreversible damage to the brain and spinal cord. The goal of so-called "immune reconstitution therapies" (IRTs) is to achieve long-term disease remission by eliminating a pathogenic immune repertoire through intense short-term immune cell depletion. B cells are major targets for effective immunotherapy in MS. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyze the gene expression pattern of B cells before and during IRT (i.e., before B-cell depletion and after B-cell repopulation) to better understand the therapeutic effects and to identify biomarker candidates of the clinical response to therapy. METHODS B cells were obtained from blood samples of patients with relapsing-remitting MS (n = 50), patients with primary progressive MS (n = 13) as well as healthy controls (n = 28). The patients with relapsing MS received either monthly infusions of natalizumab (n = 29) or a pulsed IRT with alemtuzumab (n = 15) or cladribine (n = 6). B-cell subpopulation frequencies were determined by flow cytometry, and transcriptome profiling was performed using Clariom D arrays. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the patient groups and controls were examined with regard to their functions and interactions. We also tested for differences in gene expression between patients with and without relapse following alemtuzumab administration. RESULTS Patients treated with alemtuzumab or cladribine showed on average a > 20% lower proportion of memory B cells as compared to before IRT. This was paralleled by profound transcriptome shifts, with > 6000 significant DEGs after adjustment for multiple comparisons. The top DEGs were found to regulate apoptosis, cell adhesion and RNA processing, and the most highly connected nodes in the network of encoded proteins were ESR2, PHB and RC3H1. Higher mRNA levels of BCL2, IL13RA1 and SLC38A11 were seen in patients with relapse despite IRT, though these differences did not pass the false discovery rate correction. CONCLUSIONS We show that B cells circulating in the blood of patients with MS undergoing IRT present a distinct gene expression signature, and we delineated the associated biological processes and gene interactions. Moreover, we identified genes whose expression may be an indicator of relapse risk, but further studies are needed to verify their potential value as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hecker
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Brit Fitzner
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Nina Boxberger
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Elena Putscher
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Robby Engelmann
- Clinic III (Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine), Special Hematology Laboratory, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Wendy Bergmann
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Cell Analysis, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Müller
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Cell Analysis, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Margit Schwartz
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Stefanie Meister
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ales Dudesek
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Alexander Winkelmann
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Dirk Koczan
- Institute of Immunology, Rostock University Medical Center, Schillingallee 70, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Uwe Klaus Zettl
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
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T-bet highCD21 low B cells: the need to unify our understanding of a distinct B cell population in health and disease. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 82:102300. [PMID: 36931129 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
After many years of a niche research in a few laboratories of the world, T-bethighCD21low B cells have entered the limelight during the last years after the discovery of T-bet as common transcription factor of this unconventional B cell population and the increasing awareness of the expansion of these cells in autoimmune and infectious diseases. This population consists of different subsets which share large parts of their transcriptome, essential phenotypic markers, and reduced B cell receptor (BCR) signaling capacity. Inborn errors of immunity have helped to delineate essential signals for their differentiation. While our comprehension of their origin has improved, future research will hopefully profit from a common definition of the different T-bethighCD21low subpopulations in order to better define their specific roles during normal and aberrant immune responses.
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