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Soldan SS, Su C, Monaco MC, Yoon L, Kannan T, Zankharia U, Patel RJ, Dheekollu J, Vladimirova O, Dowling JW, Thebault S, Brown N, Clauze A, Andrada F, Feder A, Planet PJ, Kossenkov A, Schäffer DE, Ohayon J, Auslander N, Jacobson S, Lieberman PM. Multiple sclerosis patient-derived spontaneous B cells have distinct EBV and host gene expression profiles in active disease. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:1540-1554. [PMID: 38806670 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01699-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an aetiologic risk factor for the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the role of EBV-infected B cells in the immunopathology of MS is not well understood. Here we characterized spontaneous lymphoblastoid cell lines (SLCLs) isolated from MS patients and healthy controls (HC) ex vivo to study EBV and host gene expression in the context of an individual's endogenous EBV. SLCLs derived from MS patient B cells during active disease had higher EBV lytic gene expression than SLCLs from MS patients with stable disease or HCs. Host gene expression analysis revealed activation of pathways associated with hypercytokinemia and interferon signalling in MS SLCLs and upregulation of forkhead box protein 1 (FOXP1), which contributes to EBV lytic gene expression. We demonstrate that antiviral approaches targeting EBV replication decreased cytokine production and autologous CD4+ T cell responses in this ex vivo model. These data suggest that dysregulation of intrinsic B cell control of EBV gene expression drives a pro-inflammatory, pathogenic B cell phenotype that can be attenuated by suppressing EBV lytic gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chenhe Su
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria Chiara Monaco
- Neuroimmunology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Leena Yoon
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jack W Dowling
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Simon Thebault
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Annaliese Clauze
- Neuroimmunology Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Frances Andrada
- Neuroimmunology Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andries Feder
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paul J Planet
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Joan Ohayon
- Neuroimmunology Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Steven Jacobson
- Neuroimmunology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Tarlinton R, Tanasescu R, Shannon-Lowe C, Gran B. Ocrelizumab B cell depletion has no effect on HERV RNA expression in PBMC in MS patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 86:105597. [PMID: 38598954 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epstein barr virus (EBV) infection of B cells is now understood to be one of the triggering events for the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. EBV infection is also linked to expression of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) of the HERV-W group, a further risk factor for the development of MS. Ocrelizumab is a high-potency disease-modifying treatment (DMT) for MS, which depletes B cells by targeting CD20. OBJECTIVES We studied the effects of ocrelizumab on gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from paired samples from 20 patients taken prior to and 6 months after beginning ocrelizumab therapy. We hypothesised that EBV and HERV-W loads would be lower in post-treatment samples. METHODS Samples were collected in Paxgene tubes, subject to RNA extraction and Illumina paired end short read mRNA sequencing with mapping of sequence reads to the human genome using Salmon and differential gene expression compared with DeSeq2. Mapping was also performed separately to the HERV-D database of HERV sequences and the EBV reference sequence. RESULTS Patient samples were more strongly clustered by individual rather than disease type (relapsing/remitting or primary progressive), treatment (pre and post), age, or sex. Fourteen genes, all clearly linked to B cell function were significantly down regulated in the post treatment samples. Interestingly only one pre-treatment sample had detectable EBV RNA and there were no significant differences in HERV expression (of any group) between pre- and post-treatment samples. CONCLUSIONS While EBV and HERV expression are clearly linked to triggering MS pathogenesis, it does not appear that high level expression of these viruses is a part of the ongoing disease process or that changes in virus load are associated with ocrelizumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Tarlinton
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom.
| | - Radu Tanasescu
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, United Kingdom; School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Shannon-Lowe
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Gran
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, United Kingdom; School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Snijckers RPM, Foks AC. Adaptive immunity and atherosclerosis: aging at its crossroads. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1350471. [PMID: 38686373 PMCID: PMC11056569 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1350471] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Adaptive immunity plays a profound role in atherosclerosis pathogenesis by regulating antigen-specific responses, inflammatory signaling and antibody production. However, as we age, our immune system undergoes a gradual functional decline, a phenomenon termed "immunosenescence". This decline is characterized by a reduction in proliferative naïve B- and T cells, decreased B- and T cell receptor repertoire and a pro-inflammatory senescence associated secretory profile. Furthermore, aging affects germinal center responses and deteriorates secondary lymphoid organ function and structure, leading to impaired T-B cell dynamics and increased autoantibody production. In this review, we will dissect the impact of aging on adaptive immunity and the role played by age-associated B- and T cells in atherosclerosis pathogenesis, emphasizing the need for interventions that target age-related immune dysfunction to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda C. Foks
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
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El Mahdaoui S, Hansen MM, von Essen MR, Hvalkof VH, Holm Hansen R, Mahler MR, Jennum P, Sellebjerg F, Romme Christensen J. CD11c + B cells in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and effects of anti-CD20 therapy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:926-937. [PMID: 38332555 PMCID: PMC11021659 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES B cells are important in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. It is yet unknown which subsets may be involved, but atypical B cells have been proposed as mediators of autoimmunity. In this study, we investigated differences in B-cell subsets between controls and patients with untreated and anti-CD20-treated multiple sclerosis. METHODS We recruited 155 participants for an exploratory cohort comprising peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and a validation cohort comprising peripheral blood. Flow cytometry was used to characterize B-cell phenotypes and effector functions of CD11c+ atypical B cells. RESULTS There were no differences in circulating B cells between controls and untreated multiple sclerosis. As expected, anti-CD20-treated patients had a markedly lower B-cell count. Of B cells remaining after treatment, we observed higher proportions of CD11c+ B cells and plasmablasts. CD11c+ B cells were expanded in cerebrospinal fluid compared to peripheral blood in controls and untreated multiple sclerosis. Surprisingly, the proportion of CD11c+ cerebrospinal fluid B cells was higher in controls and after anti-CD20 therapy than in untreated multiple sclerosis. Apart from the presence of plasmablasts, the cerebrospinal fluid B-cell composition after anti-CD20 therapy resembled that of controls. CD11c+ B cells demonstrated a high potential for both proinflammatory and regulatory cytokine production. INTERPRETATION The study demonstrates that CD11c+ B cells and plasmablasts are less efficiently depleted by anti-CD20 therapy, and that CD11c+ B cells comprise a phenotypically and functionally distinct, albeit heterogenous, B-cell subset with the capacity of exerting both proinflammatory and regulatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahla El Mahdaoui
- Department of NeurologyDanish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital – RigshospitaletGlostrup2600Denmark
| | - Marie Mathilde Hansen
- Department of NeurologyDanish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital – RigshospitaletGlostrup2600Denmark
| | - Marina Rode von Essen
- Department of NeurologyDanish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital – RigshospitaletGlostrup2600Denmark
| | - Victoria Hyslop Hvalkof
- Department of NeurologyDanish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital – RigshospitaletGlostrup2600Denmark
| | - Rikke Holm Hansen
- Department of NeurologyDanish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital – RigshospitaletGlostrup2600Denmark
| | - Mie Reith Mahler
- Department of NeurologyDanish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital – RigshospitaletGlostrup2600Denmark
| | - Poul Jennum
- Department of NeurologyDanish Center for Sleep Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital – RigshospitaletGlostrup2600Denmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen2200Denmark
| | - Finn Sellebjerg
- Department of NeurologyDanish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital – RigshospitaletGlostrup2600Denmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen2200Denmark
| | - Jeppe Romme Christensen
- Department of NeurologyDanish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital – RigshospitaletGlostrup2600Denmark
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Bogers L, Kuiper KL, Smolders J, Rip J, van Luijn MM. Epstein-Barr virus and genetic risk variants as determinants of T-bet + B cell-driven autoimmune diseases. Immunol Lett 2023; 261:66-74. [PMID: 37451321 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
B cells expressing the transcription factor T-bet are found to have a protective role in viral infections, but are also considered major players in the onset of different types of autoimmune diseases. Currently, the exact mechanisms driving such 'atypical' memory B cells to contribute to protective immunity or autoimmunity are unclear. In addition to general autoimmune-related factors including sex and age, the ways T-bet+ B cells instigate autoimmune diseases may be determined by the close interplay between genetic risk variants and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The impact of EBV on T-bet+ B cells likely relies on the type of risk variants associated with each autoimmune disease, which may affect their differentiation, migratory routes and effector function. In this hypothesis-driven review, we discuss the lines of evidence pointing to such genetic and/or EBV-mediated influence on T-bet+ B cells in a range of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). We provide examples of how genetic risk variants can be linked to certain signaling pathways and are differentially affected by EBV to shape T-bet+ B-cells. Finally, we propose options to improve current treatment of B cell-related autoimmune diseases by more selective targeting of pathways that are critical for pathogenic T-bet+ B-cell formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens Bogers
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten L Kuiper
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Smolders
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands; MS Center ErasMS, Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology research group, Amsterdam 1105 BA, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper Rip
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands
| | - Marvin M van Luijn
- MS Center ErasMS, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg 80, Rotterdam 3015 CN, The Netherlands.
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Vinuesa CG, Shen N, Ware T. Genetics of SLE: mechanistic insights from monogenic disease and disease-associated variants. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:558-572. [PMID: 37438615 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00732-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The past few years have provided important insights into the genetic architecture of systemic autoimmunity through aggregation of findings from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and whole-exome or whole-genome sequencing studies. In the prototypic systemic autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), monogenic disease accounts for a small fraction of cases but has been instrumental in the elucidation of disease mechanisms. Defects in the clearance or digestion of extracellular or intracellular DNA or RNA lead to increased sensing of nucleic acids, which can break B cell tolerance and induce the production of type I interferons leading to tissue damage. Current data suggest that multiple GWAS SLE risk alleles act in concert with rare functional variants to promote SLE development. Moreover, introduction of orthologous variant alleles into mice has revealed that pathogenic X-linked dominant and recessive SLE can be caused by novel variants in TLR7 and SAT1, respectively. Such bespoke models of disease help to unravel pathogenic pathways and can be used to test targeted therapies. Cell type-specific expression data revealed that most GWAS SLE risk genes are highly expressed in age-associated B cells (ABCs), which supports the view that ABCs produce lupus autoantibodies and contribute to end-organ damage by persisting in inflamed tissues, including the kidneys. ABCs have thus emerged as key targets of promising precision therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola G Vinuesa
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
- University College London, London, UK.
- China Australia Centre for Personalized Immunology (CACPI), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China.
| | - Nan Shen
- Shanghai Institute of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Aetiology, Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Thuvaraka Ware
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- University College London, London, UK
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7
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Age-associated B cells are long-lasting effectors that impede latent γHV68 reactivation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21189. [PMID: 36477199 PMCID: PMC9729602 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25543-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-associated B cells (ABCs; CD19+CD11c+T-bet+) are a unique population that are increased in an array of viral infections, though their role during latent infection is largely unexplored. Here, we use murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68) to demonstrate that ABCs remain elevated long-term during latent infection and express IFNγ and TNF. Using a recombinant γHV68 that is cleared following acute infection, we show that ABCs persist in the absence of latent virus, though their expression of IFNγ and TNF is decreased. With a fluorescent reporter gene-expressing γHV68 we demonstrate that ABCs are infected with γHV68 at similar rates to other previously activated B cells. We find that mice without ABCs display defects in anti-viral IgG2a/c antibodies and are more susceptible to reactivation of γHV68 following virus challenges that typically do not break latency. Together, these results indicate that ABCs are a persistent effector subset during latent viral infection that impedes γHV68 reactivation.
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8
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Mouat IC, Shanina I, Horwitz MS. Age-associated B cells are long-lasting effectors that impede latent γHV68 reactivation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21189. [PMID: 36477199 DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.29.474434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-associated B cells (ABCs; CD19+CD11c+T-bet+) are a unique population that are increased in an array of viral infections, though their role during latent infection is largely unexplored. Here, we use murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68) to demonstrate that ABCs remain elevated long-term during latent infection and express IFNγ and TNF. Using a recombinant γHV68 that is cleared following acute infection, we show that ABCs persist in the absence of latent virus, though their expression of IFNγ and TNF is decreased. With a fluorescent reporter gene-expressing γHV68 we demonstrate that ABCs are infected with γHV68 at similar rates to other previously activated B cells. We find that mice without ABCs display defects in anti-viral IgG2a/c antibodies and are more susceptible to reactivation of γHV68 following virus challenges that typically do not break latency. Together, these results indicate that ABCs are a persistent effector subset during latent viral infection that impedes γHV68 reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel C Mouat
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Iryna Shanina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marc S Horwitz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Life Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, Room 3551, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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