Background and aims: Limiting the pro-inflammatory immune response is critical for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Regulatory B cells (Bregs) can modulate the immune response through interleukin-10 (IL-10). Current data regarding Bregs and atherosclerosis is scarce and conflicting.
Methods: In this study, we investigated the frequency of IL-10+ B cells during the development of atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mice and studied the effect of adoptive transfer of IL-10+ B cells on atherosclerosis.
Results: We found a very strong inverse correlation between atherosclerosis severity and the frequency of IL-10+ B cells. This effect was cholesterol-independent and observed in spleen, draining lymph nodes and peritoneal cavity. To directly assess the effects of IL-10+ B cells on atherosclerosis, we expanded IL-10+ B cells ex vivo with anti-CD40 and selected pure and viable IL-10-secreting B cells and IL-10- B cells and adoptively transferred them to Ldlr-/- mice, respectively. While IL-10- B cells were strongly atherogenic compared to control-treated mice, IL-10+ B cells did not affect lesion size. Adoptive transfer of IL-10+ B cells strongly reduced circulating leukocyte numbers and inflammatory monocytes. In addition, they decreased CD4+ T cell activation and increased IL-10+ CD4+ T cell numbers. Interestingly, both IL-10+ and IL-10- B cells exacerbated serum cholesterol levels and resulted in fatty livers, which potentially masked the beneficial effects of IL-10+ B cells on atherosclerosis.
Conclusions: These findings underscore the strong immune-regulating function of IL-10+ B cells and provide additional incentives to explore effective strategies that expand IL-10+ B cells in atherosclerosis.
Keywords: Atherosclerosis; B cells; Cardiovascular disease; Interleukin-10; Ldlr(−/-) mice; Regulatory B cells; Western type diet.
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