Activated memory B cell subsets correlate with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus: delineation by expression of CD27, IgD, and CD95

Arthritis Rheum. 2008 Jun;58(6):1762-73. doi: 10.1002/art.23498.

Abstract

Objective: Analysis of peripheral B cell subsets in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has provided evidence of specific alterations, such as an expansion of CD27++ plasma cells/blasts and transitional B cells. However, memory B cells in lupus have not been thoroughly investigated, and only recently a CD27- memory B cell subset was identified in the peripheral blood of lupus patients. Focusing on CD27- B cells, this study aimed to identify abnormalities in peripheral B cell subsets in patients with SLE.

Methods: Three independent cohorts of lupus patients were used to characterize CD27- memory B cells, using multiparameter flow cytometry and single-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of heavy-chain transcripts.

Results: We identified a homogeneous subset of CD27-,IgD-,CD95+ memory B cells with an activated phenotype that was increased in patients with disease flares and that correlated with disease activity and serologic abnormalities. In contrast, the entire subset of CD27-,IgD- B cells was found to be heterogeneous, did not correlate significantly with lupus activity, and was also increased in patients with bacterial infections.

Conclusion: We conclude that CD95 is a useful marker to identify CD27- memory B cells with an activated phenotype, which might serve as a biomarker for lupus activity and as a target of further investigations aiming to elucidate the pathogenic potential of these cells and the mechanisms involved in the generation as well as regulation of this CD27-,IgD-,CD95+ memory B cell subset.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / classification
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin D / metabolism
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenotype
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7 / metabolism
  • fas Receptor / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Immunoglobulin D
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7
  • fas Receptor