scholarly journals Multiple Myeloma Includes Phenotypically Defined Subsets of Clonotypic CD20+ B Cells that Persist during Treatment with Rituximab

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. CMO.S615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda M. Pilarski ◽  
Eva Baigorri ◽  
Michael J. Mant ◽  
Patrick M. Pilarski ◽  
Penelope Adamson ◽  
...  

Potential progenitor B cell compartments in multiple myeloma (MM) are clinically important. MM B cells and some circulating MM plasma cells express CD20, predicting their clearance by treatment with anti-CD20. Here we describe two types of clonotypic CD20+ B cell in peripheral blood of myeloma patients, identified by their expression of CD19 and CD20 epitopes, their expression of CD45RA and their light scatter properties. Thus, the circulating component of the MM clone includes at least two distinct CD19+ CD20+ B cell compartments, as well as CD138+CD20+ plasma cells. To determine whether either or both B cell subsets and the CD20+ plasma cell subset were depleted by anti-CD20 therapy, they were evaluated before, during and after treatment of patients with rituximab (anti-CD20), followed by quantifying B cell subsets over a 5 month period during and after treatment. Overall, all three types of circulating B lineage cells persist despite treatment with rituximab. The inability of rituximab to prolong survival in MM may result from this failure to deplete CD20+ B and plasma cells in MM.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 80-80
Author(s):  
Mohamed-Rachid Boulassel ◽  
Bader Yassine-Diab ◽  
Don Healey ◽  
Charles Nicolette ◽  
Rafick-Pierre Sékaly ◽  
...  

Abstract We demonstrated the enhancement of CD8-specific responses following the administration of an immune-based therapy consisting of dendritic cells (DC) electroporated with autologous amplified HIV-1 RNA and CD40 ligand (CD40 L) RNA manufactured by the Arcelis™ process in HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted a sub study on circulating B cell populations to further assess changes induced by this autologous DC therapy as CD40L is a major B cell co-stimulatory factor. To this end, we assessed B cell subset changes in relation to the proliferative capacity of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells response to DC targets containing the 4 HIV-1 antigens (Gag, Vpr, Rev, Nef). The co-expression of CD19, CD38, IgD, CD10, CD23, CD27, CD5, and CD138 were analyzed by multi-parametric flow cytometry to assess circulating B cell subsets such as naïve resting B-cells (Bm1), activated naïve B cells (Bm2), GC founder cells (Bm2’), centroblasts and centrocytes (Bm3 and Bm4), early memory B cells (eBm5), memory B cells (Bm5), IgD memory cells, plasma cells, and B-1 cells. Changes in B cells subsets were analyzed before and after the four intradermal injections of this immunotherapeutic product containing 1.2 × 107 DC. Ten ART treated subjects with undetectable viral load (< 50 copies/ml), median CD4+ count of 440 cells/μl (range: 316–1102), and with a CD4+ nadir > 200 cells/μl were studied. Throughout the study, no significant changes in CD4+ cell count, CD4/CD8 ratio, and no viral blips were noticed. The percentage of total B cells, Bm1, Bm2, Bm2′, eBm5, IgD memory, plasma cells, and B-1 cell subsets did not significantly change. However, a decrease in the percentage of Bm3 and Bm4 cells was found (0.36 [0.06–0.86] versus 0.11 [0.04–0.36]; P=0.05). Conversely, an important increase in the Bm5 cell subset was evidenced (10.4 [1.6–24.2] versus 18.1 [5.1–27.5]; P=0.005) suggesting a proliferation of B memory cells induced by DC immunization. In addition, the multifunctional and polyvalent CD8+ T cell proliferative responses to the 4 HIV genes used in this immunotherapy were noticed in 8 out of 9 subjects available for analysis and characterized by an effector memory phenotype. No CD4+ T cell immune responses were detected, consistent with the endogenous HLA class I loading of the antigens. Collectively, these results indicate that this immunotherapy induces an increase in the B memory cell population in the absence of inducing any clinically apparent autoimmunity along with strong HIV specific multifunctional CD8+ T cell specific immune responses.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 387
Author(s):  
Ana Merino-Vico ◽  
Jan Piet van Hamburg ◽  
Sander W. Tas

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects small sized blood vessels and can lead to serious complications in the lungs and kidneys. The prominent presence of ANCA autoantibodies in this disease implicates B cells in its pathogenesis, as these are the precursors of the ANCA-producing plasma cells (PCs). Further evidence supporting the potential role of B lineage cells in vasculitis are the increased B cell cytokine levels and the dysregulated B cell populations in patients. Confirmation of the contribution of B cells to pathology arose from the beneficial effect of anti-CD20 therapy (i.e., rituximab) in AAV patients. These anti-CD20 antibodies deplete circulating B cells, which results in amelioration of disease. However, not all patients respond completely, and this treatment does not target PCs, which can maintain ANCA production. Hence, it is important to develop more specific therapies for AAV patients. Intracellular signalling pathways may be potential therapeutic targets as they can show (disease-specific) alterations in certain B lineage cells, including pathogenic B cells, and contribute to differentiation and survival of PCs. Preliminary data on the inhibition of certain signalling molecules downstream of receptors specific for B lineage cells show promising therapeutic effects. In this narrative review, B cell specific receptors and their downstream signalling molecules that may contribute to pathology in AAV are discussed, including the potential to therapeutically target these pathways.


Author(s):  
Anuradha Rajamanickam ◽  
Nathella Pavan Kumar ◽  
Arul Nancy P ◽  
Nandhini Selvaraj ◽  
Saravanan Munisankar ◽  
...  

It is essential to examine the longevity of the defensive immune response engendered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We examined the SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody responses and ex vivo memory B-cell subsets in seven groups of individuals with COVID-19 classified based on days since reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our data showed that the levels of IgG and neutralizing antibodies started increasing from days 15 to 30 to days 61 to 90, and plateaued thereafter. The frequencies of naive B cells and atypical memory B cells decreased from days 15 to 30 to days 61 to 90, and plateaued thereafter. In contrast, the frequencies of immature B cells, classical memory B cells, activated memory B cells, and plasma cells increased from days 15 to 30 to days 61 to 90, and plateaued thereafter. Patients with severe COVID-19 exhibited increased frequencies of naive cells, atypical memory B cells, and activated memory B cells, and lower frequencies of immature B cells, central memory B cells, and plasma cells when compared with patients with mild COVID-19. Therefore, our data suggest modifications in memory B-cell subset frequencies and persistence of humoral immunity in convalescent individuals with COVID-19.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 621-621
Author(s):  
Cassandra L. Jacobs ◽  
Patricia L. Lugar ◽  
Qingquan Liu ◽  
Jenny Zhang ◽  
Peter Lipsky ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 621 The classification of leukemias and lymphomas is based upon the state of differentiation of hematopoietic cells from which the malignancy is derived. These malignancies frequently preserve aspects of their lineage and lineage-specific markers are a standard in the pathology diagnosis of these tumors. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common form of non Hodgkin lymphoma and comprises at least 2 different molecular subsets. The first subset is derived from germinal center B cells (GCB DLBCL) and is characterized by a relatively good prognosis when treated with standard chemotherapy. The second subset, activated B cell like (ABC) DLBCL, is characterized by higher expression of plasmacytic genes (IRF4, PRDM1 and XBP1), an activated phenotype and poorer prognosis. Unlike multiple myeloma, ABC DLBCLs lack the morphology and phenotype of plasma cells. The normal B cell counterpart of ABC DLBCLs is unknown. Thus, there are 2 major aspects of the molecular phenotype ABC DLBCLs—first, ABC DLBCLs demonstrate features of plasma cell differentiation, suggesting that they are derived from post-germinal center cells that are undergoing plasmacytic differentiation. Second, ABC DLBCLs are characterized by high activity of the NF-KB pathway, which is responsible for their activated phenotype. The etiology of NF-KB activation is not known, but is thought to result from acquired mutations in genes that encode the NF-KB pathway. Although plasmablasts have been studied extensively in vitro, using a variety of techniques to induce plasmacytic differentiation, comprehensive studies of in vivo, lymph node-derived human plasmablasts have been lacking. Methods and Results: Using flow cytometry for a standard set of B cell markers (CD19, CD20, IgD, CD38, CD27, CD10, CD138), we identified mature B cell subsets including naive, germinal center (GC), memory, plasmablast (PB) and plasma cells (PC) from healthy patients undergoing routine tonsillectomy. These subsets were profiled for gene expression at the whole genome-level and we constructed Bayesian predictors to distinguish these subsets. These gene expression-based predictors could distinguish the normal B cell subsets perfectly. We then applied these Bayesian predictors to identify the lineage of 350 tumors from patients with DLBCL and 125 patients with multiple myeloma. Tumors with ABC and GCB DLBCLs were distinguished based on their gene expression profiles. Using the Bayesian gene expression predictors, we found that GCB DLBCLs were classified as germinal center B cells, whereas ABC DLCBLs were classified as plasmablasts and multiple myeloma cases were classified as plasma cells. We found over 90% concordance between the lineage-based (PB vs GC) predictor and the previously defined gene expression-based predictor that distinguishes ABC from GCB DLBCL (P<1E-10, chi-squared test). Notably, PBs demonstrated lower expression of BCL6 and CD10, and higher expression of IRF4 and PRDM1 compared to GC cells. The expression pattern was reversed when compared to plasma cells. Thus, the gene expression profile of PBs was intermediate between germinal center (GC) and plasma cells (PC), with regard to expression of genes related to plasmacytic differentiation (p=0.008, Figure 1A). We further investigated the expression of the NF-KB pathway in these B cell subsets and DLBCL and multiple myeloma. We found that higher expression of NF-KB in ABC DLBCL compared to GCB DLBCL and multiple myeloma reflects the differences in NF-KB activity of their normal counterparts, results that were highly statistically significant (p=0.009, Figure 1B). Thus the higher expression of genes related to plasmacytic differentiation as well as NF-KB activation in ABC DLBCL appears to be directly related to their origin from plasmablasts. Conclusion: The key aspects of the molecular phenotype of ABC DLBCLs, i.e. plasmacytic differentiation and NF-KB expression, are a direct reflection of their normal counterpart B cells. Our data provide the basis for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of DLBCL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Frasca ◽  
Maria Romero ◽  
Denisse Garcia ◽  
Alain Diaz ◽  
Bonnie B. Blomberg

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. e508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elsebeth Staun-Ram ◽  
Eiman Najjar ◽  
Anat Volkowich ◽  
Ariel Miller

ObjectiveTo elucidate the immunomodulatory effects of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on B cells in patients with relapsing MS receiving DMF as a “1st-line” vs “2nd-line” therapy.MethodsB cells were isolated from 43 patients with MS at baseline and after 15-week DMF therapy. Phenotype and functional markers and cytokine profile were assessed by flow cytometry. Analysis included clinical and MRI parameters recorded during a 1-year follow-up.Results1st-line and 2nd-line patients presented several differences in their baseline immune profile, which corresponded with differences in their immunologic response to DMF treatment. DMF reduced the proportions of B cells and CD8 T cells whereas increased monocytes. DMF reduced memory B cells, including plasma cells in 2nd-line patients only, whereas strongly increased transitional B cells. Several IL10+ B-cell subsets and TGFβ+ B cells were increased. Proinflammatory LTα+ and TNFα+ B cells were reduced, while IL4+ B cells elevated, whereas IFNγ+ B cells showed opposite effects in 1st-line and 2nd-line patients. HLA and ICAM-1 expression was increased, but % CD86+ B cells reduced. The expression of B-cell activating factor receptor and the proportion of activated CD69 B cells were increased.ConclusionsDMF is associated with increased transitional and IL10+ and TGFβ+ regulatory B cells and a shift toward a more anti-inflammatory immune profile. Cell activation with reduced costimulatory capacity may induce immune hyporesponsiveness. Carryover effects of preceding therapies in 2nd-line patients and the stage of disease influence the immune profile of the patients and the immunomodulatory effects of DMF.


Author(s):  
Thomas Dörner ◽  
Peter E. Lipsky

B cells have gained interest in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) beyond being the precursors of antibody-producing plasma cells since they are also a broader component of the adaptive immune system. They are capable of functioning as antigen-presenting cells for T-cell activation and can produce an array of cytokines. Disturbances of peripheral B-cell homeostasis together with the formation of ectopic lymphoid neogenesis within the inflamed synovium appears to be a characteristic of patients with RA. Enhanced generation of memory B cells and autoreactive plasma cells producing IgM-RF and ACPA-IgG antibodies together with formation of immune complexes contribute to the maintenance of RA, whereas treatment with B-cell-directed anti-CD20 and CLTA4-Ig therapy provides clinical benefit.


Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (9) ◽  
pp. 2616-2624
Author(s):  
Svenja Henning ◽  
Wietske M Lambers ◽  
Berber Doornbos-van der Meer ◽  
Wayel H Abdulahad ◽  
Frans G M Kroese ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Incomplete SLE (iSLE) patients display symptoms typical for SLE but have insufficient criteria to fulfil the diagnosis. Biomarkers are needed to identify iSLE patients that will progress to SLE. IFN type I activation, B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) and B-cell subset distortions play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether B-cell subsets are altered in iSLE patients, and whether these alterations correlate with IFN scores and BAFF levels. Methods iSLE patients (n = 34), SLE patients (n = 41) with quiescent disease (SLEDAI ≤4) and healthy controls (n = 22) were included. Proportions of B-cell subsets were measured with flow cytometry, IFN scores with RT-PCR and BAFF levels with ELISA. Results Proportions of age-associated B-cells were elevated in iSLE patients compared with healthy controls and correlated with IgG levels. In iSLE patients, IFN scores and BAFF levels were significantly increased compared with healthy controls. Also, IFN scores correlated with proportions of switched memory B-cells, plasma cells and IgG levels, and correlated negatively with complement levels in iSLE patients. Conclusion In this cross-sectional study, distortions in B-cell subsets were observed in iSLE patients and were correlated with IFN scores and IgG levels. Since these factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE, iSLE patients with these distortions, high IFN scores, and high levels of IgG and BAFF may be at risk for progression to SLE.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Víctor A. Sosa-Hernández ◽  
Jiram Torres-Ruíz ◽  
Rodrigo Cervantes-Díaz ◽  
Sandra Romero-Ramírez ◽  
José C. Páez-Franco ◽  
...  

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 infection represents a global health problem that has affected millions of people. The fine host immune response and its association with the disease course have not yet been fully elucidated. Consequently, we analyze circulating B cell subsets and their possible relationship with COVID-19 features and severity.MethodsUsing a multiparametric flow cytometric approach, we determined B cell subsets frequencies from 52 COVID-19 patients, grouped them by hierarchical cluster analysis, and correlated their values with clinical data.ResultsThe frequency of CD19+ B cells is increased in severe COVID-19 compared to mild cases. Specific subset frequencies such as transitional B cell subsets increase in mild/moderate cases but decrease with the severity of the disease. Memory B compartment decreased in severe and critical cases, and antibody-secreting cells are increased according to the severity of the disease. Other non-typical subsets such as double-negative B cells also showed significant changes according to disease severity. Globally, these differences allow us to identify severity-associated patient clusters with specific altered subsets. Finally, respiratory parameters, biomarkers of inflammation, and clinical scores exhibited correlations with some of these subpopulations.ConclusionsThe severity of COVID-19 is accompanied by changes in the B cell subpopulations, either immature or terminally differentiated. Furthermore, the existing relationship of B cell subset frequencies with clinical and laboratory parameters suggest that these lymphocytes could serve as potential biomarkers and even active participants in the adaptive antiviral response mounted against SARS-CoV-2.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 3251-3251
Author(s):  
Rita Shaknovich ◽  
Katia Basso ◽  
Govind Bhagat ◽  
Bachir Alobeid ◽  
Giorgio Cattoretti

Abstract EBV-associated B-cell Post-Transpant Lymphoproliferative Disorders (PTLDs) represent a diverse group of lesions morphologically, in clinical presentation and behaviour, ranging from early reversible lesions to monomorphic aggressive lymphomas. Polymorphic cases, which represent the focus of our analysis, contain a mixture of cells in various EBV latency stages, defined by EBNA1, EBNA2 and LMP1 immunostaining. LMP1 is a key viral protein for cellular transformation and, analogously to CD40, engages TNF Receptor Associated Proteins and activates NF-kB and NF-kB-responsive genes. We analyzed the protein signature of LMP1 in PTLDs and non-PTLD tonsils by double staining for LMP1, CD30, CD20, Pax5 and signaling molecules. A remarkably conserved set of proteins, associated with LMP1/CD40 signaling and NF-kB activation is expressed both in the EBV-infected lymphoid population in polymorphic PTLDs and in a normal B-cell subset(s) in reactive tonsils. These proteins include highly expressed CD30, JunB, nuclear cRel, TRAF-1, Bcl-XL, MUM1, CCL22 and downregulated BCL6 and CD10. We observed that EBV infection, possibly through LMP1 and LMP2A signaling, results in varioius degrees of differentiation within the neoplastic clone. EBER+ terminally differentiated mucosa-associated IRTA-1+ marginal zone B-cells and CD138+ plasma cells were identified in most cases, including control post-transplant tonsils with no overt disease. We document for the first time in situ, in-vivo evidence of EBV latently infected post-Germinal Center B cells of marginal and plasma cell types in PTLDs. Polymorphic PTLD cases represent EBV-induced expansion of B cells, mimicking CD40L-like activated Peri/Interfollicular CD30+ normal B-cells.


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