Is the blood B-cell subset profile diagnostic for Sjögren syndrome?

Abstract

Objective:To evaluate the relevance of the blood B-cell subset profile for the diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome.Methods:The distribution of mature blood B cells from Bm1 through Bm5 was determined in 161 patients, of whom 25 fulfilled the American–European Consensus Group criteria for primary SS (pSS), and 136 served as disease controls.Results:The percentage of Bm2 and Bm2′ cells was increased in the patients with pSS compared with 54 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 18 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (p<0.001 for the two comparisons). In contrast, those of early Bm5 (eBm5) and Bm5 were decreased in patients with pSS, compared with patients with RA and with SLE (p<0.001 for the two comparisons). The receiver operating characteristic curves allowed for an optimising cut-off value of Bm2+Bm2′ cells at 71.1% for 88.0% sensitivity and 83.1% specificity, that of eBm5+Bm5 cells at ⩽13.5% for 84.0% sensitivity and 83.1% specificity, and, consequently, that of Bm2+Bm2′/eBm5+Bm5 at ⩾5 for 88.0% sensitivity and 84.6% specificity.Conclusion:Given its presentation as a signature for pSS, relative to RA and SLE, such a distribution of B-cell subsets might provide a useful diagnostic tool.

Memory B-cell aggregates in skin biopsy are diagnostic for primary Sjögren’s syndrome

“…For unknown reasons, patients with pSS exhibit a high ratio of increased percentages of blood Bm2-plusBm2 0 cells to decreased percentages of eBm5-plus-Bm5 cells in their blood, [28,29] and accumulate these latter memory B cells within their exocrine glands [28,30]. It appeared recently that this ratio, more readily available to the community physician than the LSG biopsy, could provide a new additional criterion for SS [31]. However, an additional asset for the diagnosis of SS in a multicenter prospective study is needed.…”

Pathophysiological cytokine network in primary Sjögren's syndrome

“…In addition, they may differentiate into two types of effector cells, Be1 producing Th1 cytokines and Be2 producing Th2 cytokines [29]. Moreover, the distribution of mature B-cell subsets from Bm1 through Bm5 in peripheral blood of patients with pSS differs from that in patients with other autoimmune diseases and in Ncs, being characterized by higher percentages of Bm2 and Bm2 0 cells [31].…”

Aberrant expression of CD6 on B-cell subsets from patients with Sjögren’s syndrome

“…A few specimens of each subset escape from the GC into the circulation. For unknown reasons, patients with primary SS present with specific abnormalities in the distribution of blood B-cell subsets [12]. This characteristic is associated with a reduction in the number of memory B cells which accumulate within their SGs [10,13].…”