scholarly journals 3285 Toxicity of Released B Cell Products in Multiple Sclerosis: Effects on Neurons and Oligodendrocytes

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (s1) ◽  
pp. 116-116
Author(s):  
Leah Zuroff ◽  
Hanane Touil ◽  
Micah Romer ◽  
Liljana Nedelkoska ◽  
Joyce A. Benjamins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Conditioned Media ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Cytotoxic Factor ◽  
B Cell Subsets ◽  
Normal Controls ◽  
Age And Sex

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: We previously demonstrated that products released by cultured B cells from patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are cytotoxic to neurons and oligodendrocytes, while minimal toxicity was observed in response to B cell secretory products from age- and sex-matched normal controls. The goal of this proposal is to identify the range of brain cells susceptible to MS B cell-mediated cytotoxicity, to define the cytotoxic factor(s) released by MS B cells, and to determine whether particular subset(s) of MS B cells harbor the greatest pathogenic potential. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The toxicity of B cell products will be demonstrated by incubating primary rat cultures of neurons, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) with B cell supernatants. B cells will be isolated from the peripheral circulation of untreated relapse-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and age- and sex-matched normal controls. The identification of specific toxic factor(s) in MS B cell supernatants will be achieved through a combination of exosome-depletion/enrichment of conditioned media, proteomics, next generation sequencing, and lipidomics. Determining pathogenic B cell subsets will be achieved by cell sorting into memory and naïve B cell subsets prior to collection of supernatants. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We hypothesize that the toxicity of MS B cell products is mediated, at least in part, by extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes. We expect depletion of these exosomes from the B cell conditioned media or inhibition of their biogenesis will mitigate the observed toxicity. Furthermore, differences in B cell-derived exosomal content, such as proteins, (mi)RNAs, or lipids, likely explain the differences in observed toxicity. Lastly, we hypothesize that memory B cells, which are enriched in the CNS of MS patients and demonstrate a more pro-inflammatory profile than naïve B cells, are responsible for the toxicity observed in supernatants of total B cells. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: MS is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS, affecting more than 2 million people worldwide. Although over a dozen disease-modifying therapies are approved for the treatment of RRMS, none are meaningfully effective at limiting disease progression. This proposal will provide new insight into immune-CNS interactions in progressive MS and provide much-needed novel targets for therapeutic intervention, either via blocking identified toxic molecule(s) or by selectively depleting pathogenic B cell subsets.

scholarly journals Selective Targeting of T and B Cell Populations by Alemtuzumab in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Nikolaos C Grigoriadis ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
T Cells ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Tolerability Profile ◽  
T And B Cells ◽  
Brain Volume Loss ◽  
Inflammatory Phenotype ◽  
B Cell Subsets

Upstream targeting of both T and B cells is a rational therapeutic approach in multiple sclerosis (MS) in view of how both cell types and the interaction between them contribute to MS pathophysiology. This article will discuss this new way of thinking in MS: the targeting of both T and B cells, with a focus on the recently developed therapy, alemtuzumab (Lemtrada®, Genzyme, UK). Alemtuzumab depletes T and B lymphocytes, mainly via complement-dependent cytolysis and antibody-dependent cytolysis; depletion of B cells is not an enduring effect compared with the depletion of T cells. After dosing, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and CD19 B cells decrease initially but increase over the following 11 months. During repopulation after alemtuzumab treatment, there is a shift in the relative proportions of T cell and B cell subsets whereby proportions of regulatory T cells and memory-phenotype T cells are increased and the proportion of naive T cells is decreased. A switch from a pro- to an anti-inflammatory phenotype and cytokine profile caused by alemtuzumab may underpin the long-lasting suppression of MS activity that has been observed in clinical trials. Alemtuzumab treatment is also associated with a consistently good safety and tolerability profile. Further, alemtuzumab appears to promote neurorehabilitation by improving measures of physical functioning, disability, measures of quality of life, and brain volume loss. Alemtuzumab therefore has the potential to reduce disease burden and improve substantially the prognosis for patients with MS.

Thymosin-α1 expands deficient IL-10-producing regulatory B cell subsets in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Giacomini ◽  
Fabiana Rizzo ◽  
Marilena P Etna ◽  
Melania Cruciani ◽  
Rosella Mechelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Response ◽  
Thymosin Α1 ◽  
Regulatory B Cell ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
B Cell Subsets ◽  
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Background: B cells are key pathogenic effectors in multiple sclerosis (MS) and several therapies have been designed to restrain B cell abnormalities by directly targeting this lymphocyte population. Objectives: Moving from our data showing a Toll-like receptor (TLR)7-driven dysregulation of B cell response in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and having found a low serum level of Thymosin-α1 (Tα1) in patients, we investigated whether the addition of this molecule to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) would influence the expansion of regulatory B cell subsets, known to dampen autoimmune inflammation. Methods: Serum Tα1 level was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Cytokine expression was evaluated by Cytometric Bead Array (CBA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). B cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Tα1 pre-treatment induces an anti-inflammatory status in TLR7-stimulated RRMS PBMC cultures, reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-1β while significantly increasing the regulatory IL-10 and IL-35. Indeed, Tα1 treatment enhanced expansion of CD19+CD24+CD38hi transitional-immature and CD24low/negCD38hi plasmablast-like regulatory B cell subsets, which likely inhibit both interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-17 production. Conclusion:: Our study reveals a deficient ability of B cells from MS patients to differentiate into regulatory subsets and unveils a novel anti-inflammatory and repurposing potential for Tα1 in MS targeting B cell response.

scholarly journals A Milestone in Multiple Sclerosis Therapy: Monoclonal Antibodies Against CD20—Yet Progress Continues

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther S. Frisch ◽  
Roxanne Pretzsch ◽  
Martin S. Weber
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Targeting Therapy ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
Anti Cd20

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS), which is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, still represents one of the most common causes of persisting disability with an early disease onset. Growing evidence suggests B cells to play a crucial role in its pathogenesis and progression. Over the last decades, monoclonal antibodies (mabs) against the surface protein CD20 have been intensively studied as a B cell targeting therapy in relapsing MS (RMS) as well as primary progressive MS (PPMS). Pivotal studies on anti-CD20 therapy in RMS showed remarkable clinical and radiological effects, especially on acute inflammation and relapse biology. These results paved the way for further research on the implication of B cells in the pathogenesis of MS. Besides controlling relapse development in RMS, ocrelizumab (OCR) also showed clinical benefits in patients with PPMS and became the first approved drug for this disease course. In this review, we provide an overview of the current anti-CD20 mabs used or tested for the treatment of MS—namely rituximab (RTX), OCR, ofatumumab (OFA), and ublituximab (UB). Besides their effectiveness, we also discuss possible limitations and safety concerns especially in regard to long-term treatment, both for this class of drugs overall as well as for each anti-CD20 mab individually. Additionally, we elucidate to what extent anti-CD20 therapy may alter the function of other immune cells, both directly or indirectly. Finally, we cover the current knowledge on repopulation of CD20+ cells after cessation of anti-CD20 treatment and discuss future aspirations towards alternative, further developed B cell silencing therapies.

scholarly journals Emerging small-molecule treatments for multiple sclerosis: focus on B cells

F1000Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Gregson ◽  
Kaitlyn Thompson ◽  
Stella E Tsirka ◽  
David L Selwood
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Risk Genes ◽  
Small Molecule Drugs ◽  
Patent Term ◽  
B Cell Subsets

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major cause of disability in young adults. Following an unknown trigger (or triggers), the immune system attacks the myelin sheath surrounding axons, leading to progressive nerve cell death. Antibodies and small-molecule drugs directed against B cells have demonstrated good efficacy in slowing progression of the disease. This review focusses on small-molecule drugs that can affect B-cell biology and may have utility in disease management. The risk genes for MS are examined from the drug target perspective. Existing small-molecule therapies for MS with B-cell actions together with new drugs in development are described. The potential for experimental molecules with B-cell effects is also considered. Small molecules can have diverse actions on B cells and be cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. The current B cell–directed therapies often kill B-cell subsets, which can be effective but lead to side effects and toxicity. A deeper understanding of B-cell biology and the effect on MS disease should lead to new drugs with better selectivity, efficacy, and an improved safety profile. Small-molecule drugs, once the patent term has expired, provide a uniquely sustainable form of healthcare.

scholarly journals FcγRIIb Expression Is Decreased on Naive and Marginal Zone-Like B Cells From Females With Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Trend ◽  
Jonatan Leffler ◽  
Ingrid Teige ◽  
Björn Frendéus ◽  
Allan G. Kermode ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Immune Complexes ◽  
Marginal Zone ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Blocking Antibody ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
B Cell Subsets

B cells are critical to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), but the mechanisms by which they contribute to the disease are poorly defined. We hypothesised that the expression of CD32b (FcγRIIb), a receptor for the Fc region of IgG with inhibitory activities in B cells, is lower on B cell subsets from people with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or MS. CD32b expression was highest on post-naive IgM+ B cell subsets in healthy controls. For females with MS or CIS, significantly lower CD32b expression was identified on IgM+ B cell subsets, including naive and IgMhi MZ-like B cells, when compared with control females. Lower CD32b expression on these B cell subsets was associated with detectable anti-Epstein Barr Virus viral capsid antigen IgM antibodies, and higher serum levels of B cell activating factor. To investigate the effects of lower CD32b expression, B cells were polyclonally activated in the presence of IgG immune complexes, with or without a CD32b blocking antibody, and the expression of TNF and IL-10 in B cell subsets was assessed. The reduction of TNF but not IL-10 expression in controls mediated by IgG immune complexes was reversed by CD32b blockade in naive and IgMhi MZ-like B cells only. However, no consequence of lower CD32b expression on these cells from females with CIS or MS was detected. Our findings highlight a potential role for naive and marginal zone-like B cells in the immunopathogenesis of MS in females, which requires further investigation.

scholarly journals Longitudinally persistent cerebrospinal fluid B-cells resist treatment in multiple sclerosis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariele L. Greenfield ◽  
Ravi Dandekar ◽  
Akshaya Ramesh ◽  
Erica L. Eggers ◽  
Hao Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Variable Region ◽  
B Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Dynamics ◽  
Autoimmune Pathology ◽  
B Cell Subsets

AbstractB-cells are key contributors to chronic autoimmune pathology in multiple sclerosis (MS). Clonally related B-cells exist in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), meninges, and central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma of MS patients. Longitudinally stable CSF oligoclonal band (OCB) antibody patterns suggest some local CNS B-cell persistence; however, the longitudinal B-cell dynamics within and between the CSF and blood remain unknown. We sought to address this by performing immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region repertoire sequencing on B-cells from longitudinally collected blood and CSF samples of MS patients (n=10). All patients were untreated at the time of the initial sampling; the majority (n=7) were treated with immune modulating therapies 1.2 (+/−0.3 SD) years later during the second sampling. We found clonal persistence of B-cells in the CSF of five patients; these B-cells were frequently immunoglobulin (Ig) class-switched and CD27+. We identified specific blood B-cell subsets that appear to provide input into CNS repertoires over time. We demonstrate complex patterns of clonal B-cell persistence in CSF and blood, even in patients on high-efficacy immune modulating therapy. Our findings support the concept that peripheral B-cell activation and CNS-compartmentalized immune mechanisms are in part therapy-resistant.

Lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) involving lungs: T and B cell subsets within pulmonary infiltrates and in peripheral blood

1984 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 700-701
Author(s):  
Irene Stachura ◽  
Milton H. Dalbow ◽  
Michael J. Niemiec ◽  
Matias Pardo ◽  
Gurmukh Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Lymphoproliferative Disorders ◽  
Mixed Population ◽  
Lymphoid Cells ◽  
Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Cell Surface Antigens ◽  
Pulmonary Infiltrates ◽  
B Cell Subsets

Lymphoid cells were analyzed within pulmonary infiltrates of six patients with lymphoproliferative disorders involving lungs by immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase techniques utilizing monoclonal antibodies to cell surface antigens T11 (total T), T4 (inducer/helper T), T8 (cytotoxic/suppressor T) and B1 (B cells) and the antisera against heavy (G,A,M) and light (kappa, lambda) immunoglobulin chains. Three patients had pseudolymphoma, two patients had lymphoma and one patient had lymphomatoid granulomatosis.A mixed population of cells was present in tissue infiltrates from the three patients with pseudolymphoma, IgM-kappa producing cells constituted the main B cell type in one patient. In two patients with lymphoma pattern the infiltrates were composed exclusively of T4+ cells and IgG-lambda B cells predominated slightly in the patient with lymphomatoid granulomatosis.

scholarly journals OP0005 ELEVATED STAT1 EXPRESSION BUT NOT PHOSPHORYLATION IN LUPUS B CELLS CORRELATES WITH DISEASE ACTIVITY AND INCREASED PLASMABLAST SUSCEPTIBILITY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 4-5
Author(s):  
A. Aue ◽  
F. Szelinski ◽  
S. Weißenberg ◽  
A. Wiedemann ◽  
T. Rose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type I Ifn ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
B Cell Subsets

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by two pathogenic key signatures, type I interferon (IFN) (1.) and B-cell abnormalities (2.). How these signatures are interrelated is not known. Type I-II IFN trigger activation of Janus kinase (JAK) – signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT).Objectives:JAK-STAT inhibition is an attractive therapeutic possibility for SLE (3.). We assess STAT1 and STAT3 expression and phosphorylation at baseline and after IFN type I and II stimulation in B-cell subpopulations of SLE patients compared to other autoimmune diseases and healthy controls (HD) and related it to disease activity.Methods:Expression of STAT1, pSTAT1, STAT3 and pSTAT3 in B and T-cells of 21 HD, 10 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 7 primary Sjögren’s (pSS) and 22 SLE patients was analyzed by flow cytometry. STAT1 and STAT3 expression and phosphorylation in PBMCs of SLE patients and HD after IFNα and IFNγ incubation were further investigated.Results:SLE patients showed substantially higher STAT1 but not pSTAT1 in B and T-cell subsets. Increased STAT1 expression in B cell subsets correlated significantly with SLEDAI and Siglec-1 on monocytes, a type I IFN marker (4.). STAT1 activation in plasmablasts was IFNα dependent while monocytes exhibited dependence on IFNγ.Figure 1.Significantly increased expression of STAT1 by SLE B cells(A) Representative histograms of baseline expression of STAT1, pSTAT1, STAT3 and pSTAT3 in CD19+ B cells of SLE patients (orange), HD (black) and isotype controls (grey). (B) Baseline expression of STAT1 and pSTAT1 or (C) STAT3 and pSTAT3 in CD20+CD27-, CD20+CD27+ and CD20lowCD27high B-lineage cells from SLE (orange) patients compared to those from HD (black). Mann Whitney test; ****p≤0.0001.Figure 2.Correlation of STAT1 expression by SLE B cells correlates with type I IFN signature (Siglec-1, CD169) and clinical activity (SLEDAI).Correlation of STAT1 expression in CD20+CD27- näive (p<0.0001, r=0.8766), CD20+CD27+ memory (p<0.0001, r=0.8556) and CD20lowCD27high (p<0.0001, r=0.9396) B cells from SLE patients with (A) Siglec-1 (CD169) expression on CD14+ cells as parameter of type I IFN signature and (B) lupus disease activity (SLEDAI score). Spearman rank coefficient (r) was calculated to identify correlations between these parameters. *p≤0.05, **p≤0.01. (C) STAT1 expression in B cell subsets of a previously undiagnosed, active SLE patient who was subsequently treated with two dosages of prednisolone and reanalyzed.Conclusion:Enhanced expression of STAT1 by B-cells candidates as key node of two immunopathogenic signatures (type I IFN and B-cells) related to important immunopathogenic pathways and lupus activity. We show that STAT1 is activated upon IFNα exposure in SLE plasmablasts. Thus, Jak inhibitors, targeting JAK-STAT pathways, hold promise to block STAT1 expression and control plasmablast induction in SLE.References:[1]Baechler EC, Batliwalla FM, Karypis G, Gaffney PM, Ortmann WA, Espe KJ, et al. Interferon-inducible gene expression signature in peripheral blood cells of patients with severe lupus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003;100(5):2610-5.[2]Lino AC, Dorner T, Bar-Or A, Fillatreau S. Cytokine-producing B cells: a translational view on their roles in human and mouse autoimmune diseases. Immunol Rev. 2016;269(1):130-44.[3]Dorner T, Lipsky PE. Beyond pan-B-cell-directed therapy - new avenues and insights into the pathogenesis of SLE. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2016;12(11):645-57.[4]Biesen R, Demir C, Barkhudarova F, Grun JR, Steinbrich-Zollner M, Backhaus M, et al. Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 1 expression in inflammatory and resident monocytes is a potential biomarker for monitoring disease activity and success of therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheum. 2008;58(4):1136-45.Disclosure of Interests:Arman Aue: None declared, Franziska Szelinski: None declared, Sarah Weißenberg: None declared, Annika Wiedemann: None declared, Thomas Rose: None declared, Andreia Lino: None declared, Thomas Dörner Grant/research support from: Janssen, Novartis, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Roche, Janssen, EMD, Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Roche, Samsung, Janssen

scholarly journals Hyper‐metabolic B cells in the spleens of old mice make antibodies with autoimmune specificities

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Frasca ◽  
Maria Romero ◽  
Denisse Garcia ◽  
Alain Diaz ◽  
Bonnie B. Blomberg
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Cell Subset ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Metabolic Phenotype ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Autoimmune Antibodies ◽  
B Cell Subsets ◽  
Old Mice

Abstract Background Aging is associated with increased intrinsic B cell inflammation, decreased protective antibody responses and increased autoimmune antibody responses. The effects of aging on the metabolic phenotype of B cells and on the metabolic programs that lead to the secretion of protective versus autoimmune antibodies are not known. Methods Splenic B cells and the major splenic B cell subsets, Follicular (FO) and Age-associated B cells (ABCs), were isolated from the spleens of young and old mice and left unstimulated. The RNA was collected to measure the expression of markers associated with intrinsic inflammation and autoimmune antibody production by qPCR. B cells and B cell subsets were also stimulated with CpG and supernatants collected after 7 days to measure autoimmune IgG secretion by ELISA. Metabolic measures (oxygen consumption rate, extracellular acidification rate and glucose uptake) were performed using a Seahorse XFp extracellular flux analyzer. Results Results have identified the subset of ABCs, whose frequencies and numbers increase with age and represent the most pro-inflammatory B cell subset, as the cell type mainly if not exclusively responsible for the expression of inflammatory markers and for the secretion of autoimmune antibodies in the spleen of old mice. Hyper-inflammatory ABCs from old mice are also hyper-metabolic, as compared to those from young mice and to the subset of FO B cells, a feature needed not only to support their higher expression of RNA for inflammatory markers but also their higher autoimmune antibody secretion. Conclusions These results identify a relationship between intrinsic inflammation, metabolism and autoimmune B cells and suggest possible ways to understand cellular mechanisms that lead to the generation of pathogenic B cells, that are hyper-inflammatory and hyper-metabolic, and secrete IgG antibodies with autoimmune specificities.

scholarly journals The expansion of activated naive DNA autoreactive B cells and its association with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kittikorn Wangriatisak ◽  
Chokchai Thanadetsuntorn ◽  
Thamonwan Krittayapoositpot ◽  
Chaniya Leepiyasakulchai ◽  
Thanitta Suangtamai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Autoreactive B Cells ◽  
Dsdna Antibody ◽  
Cell Subpopulations ◽  
B Cell Subsets

Abstract Background Autoreactive B cells are well recognized as key participants in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, elucidating the particular subset of B cells in producing anti-dsDNA antibodies is limited due to their B cell heterogeneity. This study aimed to identify peripheral B cell subpopulations that display autoreactivity to DNA and contribute to lupus pathogenesis. Methods Flow cytometry was used to detect total B cell subsets (n = 20) and DNA autoreactive B cells (n = 15) in SLE patients’ peripheral blood. Clinical disease activities were assessed in SLE patients using modified SLEDAI-2 K and used for correlation analyses with expanded B cell subsets and DNA autoreactive B cells. Results The increases of circulating double negative 2 (DN2) and activated naïve (aNAV) B cells were significantly observed in SLE patients. Expanded B cell subsets and DNA autoreactive B cells represented a high proportion of aNAV B cells with overexpression of CD69 and CD86. The frequencies of aNAV B cells in total B cell populations were significantly correlated with modified SLEDAI-2 K scores. Further analysis showed that expansion of aNAV DNA autoreactive B cells was more related to disease activity and serum anti-dsDNA antibody levels than to total aNAV B cells. Conclusion Our study demonstrated an expansion of aNAV B cells in SLE patients. The association between the frequency of aNAV B cells and disease activity patients suggested that these expanded B cells may play a role in SLE pathogenesis.

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