BAFF receptor mAb treatment ameliorates development and progression of atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic ApoE(-/-) mice

PLoS One. 2013;8(4):e60430. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060430. Epub 2013 Apr 3.

Abstract

Aims: Option to attenuate atherosclerosis by depleting B2 cells is currently limited to anti-CD20 antibodies which deplete all B-cell subtypes. In the present study we evaluated the capacity of a monoclonal antibody to B cell activating factor-receptor (BAFFR) to selectively deplete atherogenic B2 cells to prevent both development and progression of atherosclerosis in the ApoE(-/-) mouse.

Methods and results: To determine whether the BAFFR antibody prevents atherosclerosis development, we treated ApoE(-/-) mice with the antibody while feeding them a high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. Mature CD93(-) CD19(+) B2 cells were reduced by treatment, spleen B-cell zones disrupted and spleen CD20 mRNA expression decreased while B1a cells and non-B cells were spared. Atherosclerosis was ameliorated in the hyperlipidemic mice and CD19(+) B cells, CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were reduced in atherosclerotic lesions. Expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, IL1β, TNFα, and IFNγ in the lesions were also reduced, while MCP1, MIF and VCAM-1 expressions were unaffected. Plasma immunoglobulins were reduced, but MDA-oxLDL specific antibodies were unaffected. To determine whether anti-BAFFR antibody ameliorates progression of atherosclerosis, we first fed ApoE(-/-) mice a HFD for 6 weeks, and then instigated anti-BAFFR antibody treatment for a further 6 week-HFD. CD93(-) CD19(+) B2 cells were selectively decreased and atherosclerotic lesions were reduced by this treatment.

Conclusion: Anti-BAFFR monoclonal antibody selectively depletes mature B2 cells while sparing B1a cells, disrupts spleen B-cell zones and ameliorates atherosclerosis development and progression in hyperlipidemic ApoE(-/-) mice. Our findings have potential for clinical translation to manage atherosclerosis-based cardiovascular diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
  • Antigens, CD / genetics
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Apolipoproteins E / deficiency*
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics
  • Apolipoproteins E / immunology
  • Atherosclerosis / complications
  • Atherosclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Atherosclerosis / immunology
  • Atherosclerosis / pathology
  • B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor / genetics
  • B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor / immunology
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / pathology
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Diet, High-Fat
  • Disease Progression
  • Hyperlipidemias / complications
  • Hyperlipidemias / drug therapy*
  • Hyperlipidemias / immunology
  • Hyperlipidemias / pathology
  • Lymphocyte Depletion
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Spleen / drug effects*
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Spleen / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD
  • Apolipoproteins E
  • B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor
  • Cytokines
  • Tnfrsf13c protein, mouse

Grants and funding

This study is supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (ID 1025211) and supported in part by the Victorian Government’s Operational Infrastructure Support Program. (NHMRC -http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/) The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.