Comparison of the deep immune profiling of B cell subsets between healthy adults and Sjögren’s syndrome

Abstract

Objectives Detailed analysis targeting B cell subgroups was considered crucial in monitoring autoimmune diseases and treatment responses. Thus, precisely describing the phenotypes of B cell differentiation and their variation in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is particularly needed. Methods To characterize the proportions and absolute counts of B cell subsets, peripheral blood from 114 healthy adults of China (age range: 19–73 years) and 55 patients with pSS were performed by flow cytometry and CD19, CD20, CD24, CD27, CD38 and IgD were used as surface markers to identify B cell mature process. Age- and gender-stratified analyses were then carried out to improve the interpretation of B cell subsets. Results The assessments from healthy adults showed that the proportion of naive B cells presented a significant increase with age. A reversal trend was noted that the percentage of B10 decreased markedly with age. In addition, analysis based on gender showed that the relative percentage and number of naive B cells were higher in females than in males whereas the proportions of switched memory B cells and B10 cells were decreased in female. Patients with pSS exhibited a significant expansion in naïve B cells and unswitched memory B cells, accompanied with decreased switched memory B cells and B10 cells, which were identified to be associated with autoantibody production. Conclusions Our study presented a reliable analysis by flow cytometry to cover the principal B cell subtypes. These different stages of B lymphocytes may have implications for evaluating the activation of pSS and other autoimmune diseases and treatment efficacy. KEY MESSAGES B cell subsets play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and other autoimmune diseases. A practical and accurate flow cytometry method to profile B cell phenotypes in peripheral blood of healthy adults is especially essential. Additionally, we presented reliable reference ranges for B cell subsets in regards to the local population. Age- and gender-related analyses are available to better understand their influence in immune status and treatment outcome. The distribution of B-cell subsets is found substantially altered in patients with pSS, bringing novel avenues for pSS research in the future.

Single-cell transcriptome profiling reveals immune and stromal cell heterogeneity in primary Sjögren’s syndrome

“…Consistent with previous studies, 55 , 56 we found that the proportion of VPREB3 + memory B cells is decreased in PBMCs and increased in the SG of patients with pSS, potentially due to enhanced migration to target organs. The percentage of naive B cells is reportedly higher in PBMCs of patients with pSS than in healthy individuals, 57 , 58 which is in line with our results showing an expanded IGHD + naive B cell subpopulation among PBMCs of patients with pSS. We also observed that BANK1 + and CD83 + B cell subsets increased in the SG of patients with pSS, indicating local expansion of effector B cells.…”

Transcriptomic analysis of B cells suggests that CD70 and LY9 may be novel features in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

“…2 c). Previous studies have shown that CD24, CD27 and IgD can be used to illustrate the maturation process of B cells [ 12 , 13 ]. Consistent with previous studies, our results revealed that IGHD and CD24 were mainly expressed on naïve B cells and that CD27 was mainly expressed on CD27 + memory B cells ( Fig.…”

Immunological Profiles in Parry–Romberg Syndrome: A Case–Control Study

“…Overall, a negative correlation between autoantibody concentrations and frequency of unswitched-memory B cells suggests that this subset may be protective against autoimmunity. Thus, lower percentages of unswitched-memory B cells are seen in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) patients, in whom higher concentrations of autoreactive antibodies are observed [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. The increase in this B cell subpopulation in PRS might, therefore, represents an appropriate response to therapy, but further analyses should be performed in larger cohorts to draw the right conclusions.…”