scholarly journals Belimumab alters transitional B-cell subset proportions in patients with stable systemic lupus erythematosus

Lupus ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 1337-1343 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Benitez ◽  
K Torralba ◽  
M Ngo ◽  
L M Salto ◽  
K S Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Cell Subset ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽  
Healthy Donors ◽  
Immature B Cells

Objective We evaluated the effects of the B-cell activating factor (BAFF)-targeting antibody Belimumab on human nonmemory B-cell pools. Human B-cell pools were identified using surface markers adapted from mouse studies that specifically assessed reductions in immature B cells due to BAFF depletion. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have high levels of both BAFF and immature B cells. Mechanistic mouse studies provide a framework for understanding human responses to therapies that target B cells. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from healthy donors and SLE patients on Belimumab or standard-of-care therapy (SCT). Cells were stained for flow cytometry to identify B-cell subsets based on CD21/CD24. Differences in subset proportions were determined by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results Patients treated with Belimumab show alterations in the nonmemory B-cell pool characterized by a decrease in the Transitional 2 (T2) subset ( p = 0.002), and an increase in the proportion of Transitional 1 (T1) cells ( p = 0.005) as compared with healthy donors and SCT patients. The naïve B-cell compartment showed no significant differences between the groups ( p = 0.293). Conclusion Using a translational approach, we show that Belimumab-mediated BAFF depletion reduces the T2 subset in patients, similar to observations in mouse models with BAFF depletion.

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 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.

scholarly journals OP0186 CHANGES IN CIRCULATING B CELL LEVELS AND IMMUNOPHENOTYPE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT OF ARTHRITIS FOLLOWING TREATMENT WITH CHECKPOINT INHIBITORS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 112.2-113
Author(s):  
M. Gatto ◽  
S. Bjursten ◽  
C. Jonell ◽  
C. Jonsson ◽  
S. Mcgrath ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Therapy Monitoring ◽  
Cell Subset ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽  
Transitional B Cells

Background:Inflammatory arthritis (IA) is frequent among rheumatic side effects induced by checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy for metastatic malignancies1. While T cells are likely to sustain the inflammatory process2, fewer data are available concerning the role of B cells3.Objectives:To investigate the phenotype of circulating B cells in patients who develop CPI-induced IA (CPI-IA) and to compare it with features of B cells in patients not developing immune-related adverse events (irAE) upon CPI treatment.Methods:B cell subsets at baseline (before CPI initiation) and during CPI treatment were analyzed in CPI-IA patients and in patients receiving CPI but who did not develop irAE (non-irAE). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were analyzed by flow cytometry and B cells were identified as CD19+ and divided into naïve (CD27-IgD+), memory (CD27+IgD+/-), double negative (CD27-IgD-) and transitional (CD10+CD24+CD38+/hi) B cells. Levels of CD21, an activation marker on transitional B cells, were also analyzed. Non-parametric tests were used for analysis of differences between groups.Results:Six CPI-IA and 7 non-irAE patients matched for age, gender and CPI treatment were included, who had received CPI treatment due to metastatic melanoma. Flow cytometry revealed a significant increase of circulating B cells (p=0.002) (Figure 1A) and especially of transitional B cells in CPI-IA patients vs. non-irAE (median %, range: 7.8 (4.5-11.4) vs. 3.2 (1.6-4.3),p=0.007) (Figure 1B), while no remarkable changes were seen across other subsets. Transitional B cell levels significantly decreased from active to quiescent CPI-IA in all patients (p=0.008). In two CPI-IA patients for whom baseline sampling was available, the increase of transitional levels occurred early after CPI treatment and before CPI-IA onset. Levels of expression of CD21 on transitional B cells were increased in CPI-IA vs. non-irAE (p=0.01).Conclusion:Transitional B cells are expanded in CPI-IA patients and seem to increase early after start of CPI therapy. Monitoring this B cell subset might lead to closer follow-up and earlier diagnosis of CPI-IA.References:[1]Ramos-Casals M, Brahmer JR, Callahan MK, et al. Immune-related adverse events of checkpoint inhibitors. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2020;6:38[2]Murray-Brown W, Wilsdon TD, Weedon H, et al. Nivolumab-induced synovitis is characterized by florid T cell infiltration and rapid resolution with synovial biopsy-guided therapy. J Immunother Cancer 2020;8:e000281[3]Das R, Bar N, Ferreira M, et al. Early B cell changes predict autoimmunity following combination immune checkpoint blockade. J Clin Invest. 2018;128:715-2Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Detection and Functional Evaluation of −262A/T and −188A/G Polymorphisms of SLAM Gene in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 2268-2272 ◽  
Author(s):  
YI YOU ◽  
ZHE WANG ◽  
GUO-HONG DENG ◽  
YI LIU ◽  
FEI HAO
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Gene Promoter ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Functional Evaluation ◽  
Reporter System ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear

Objective.Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) has been related to the pathology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through regulation of T cell-dependent humoral immune responses. We investigated the functional associations of the −262A/T and −188A/G polymorphisms of SLAM in Chinese patients with SLE.Methods.Genotyping of −262A/T (rs2295614) and −188A/G (rs2295613) in SLAM was carried out in 248 cases and 278 controls. Promoter activities of haplotypes on the SLAM gene were evaluated with the dual-luciferase reporter system. The mRNA expressions of SLAM on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of SLE patients with different genotypes were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results.Frequencies of −262A allele and −188G allele were significantly higher in SLE patients than in controls. Haplotype analysis and multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with the AG/AG haplotype had increased susceptibility to SLE (p = 0.002, OR 1.478, 95% CI 1.152–1.897). In response to PHA stimulation, the SLAM mRNA expression on PBMC of SLE patients was significantly higher in −262A-188G haplotype homozygotes compared with −262A-188G heterozygotes and individuals with other genotypes.Conclusion.Our findings suggest that −262A-188G haplotype in the SLAM gene promoter contributes to the risk of SLE by increasing the expression of SLAM.

scholarly journals Association of the PINX1 Variant rs6984094, Which Lengthens Telomeres, with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Susceptibility in Chinese Populations

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Yuan-yuan Qi ◽  
Xin-ran Liu ◽  
Ying-xin He ◽  
Min Zhou ◽  
Xiang-hui Ning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Genetic Association ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Genome Wide Association Study ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽  
Chinese Populations ◽  
Genetic Heritability

A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Asian ancestry reported that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) was associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). TERT has a critical role in maintaining the chromosomal stability and the length of telomere. Given that only a small portion of the genetic heritability of SLE has been explained so far, we aimed to identify novel loci in telomere-related genes responsible for SLE susceptibility in Chinese populations. We performed a comprehensive genetic association analysis of SLE with telomere-related genes. To identify functional significance, we analyzed the publicly available HaploReg v4.1 and RegulomeDB databases. Differential gene expression analysis was also performed using ArrayExpress. A novel signal of PINX1 rs6984094 was identified ( P discovery = 4.13 × 10 − 2 , OR = 0.58 , 95% CI 0.35-0.98) and successfully replicated ( P replication = 5.73 × 10 − 3 , OR = 0.45 , 95% CI 0.26-0.81). Multiple layers of functional analysis suggested that the PINX1 rs6984094 risk T allele exhibited increased nuclear protein binding. We also observed an increased expression of PINX1 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from SLE patients compared with healthy controls. Overall, we observed a novel genetic association between PINX1 (encodes the PinX1 protein, an inhibitory telomerase enzyme that lengthens telomeres) and SLE susceptibility in Chinese populations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document