Rudolphi U, Rzepka R, Batsford S, Kaufmann SH, von der Mark K, Peter HH, Melchers I. The B cell repertoire of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. II. Increased frequencies of IgG+ and IgA+ B cells specific for mycobacterial heat-shock protein 60 or human type II collagen in synovial fluid and tissue.
ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 1997;
40:1409-19. [PMID:
9259420 DOI:
10.1002/art.1780400808]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the functional, antigen-specific B cell receptor repertoire of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in synovial and peripheral compartments.
METHODS
B cells were activated to grow and differentiate at high efficiency in vitro under limiting-dilution conditions. Isotype and specificity of the secreted Ig were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
RESULTS
In contrast to peripheral B cells, most synovial B cells had already switched to IgG/IgA in vivo. The frequencies of B cells specifically recognizing foreign antigens were decreased within the synovial population, whereas the frequencies of B cells specific for type II collagen, mycobacterial heat-shock protein 60 (hsp60), or IgG Fc fragments were significantly increased, revealing a negative correlation in terms of frequencies.
CONCLUSION
B cells specific for human type II collagen, hsp60, and IgG Fc fragments are produced and/or expanded locally within the affected joints of RA patients. Thus, the specific immune system is definitely involved in the local inflammatory and destructive processes.
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