The circulating IL‐35⁺ regulatory B cells are associated with thyroid associated opthalmopathy

Abstract

BackgroundThyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is the most common orbital disease in adults, potentially leading to disfigurement and visual impairment. However, the causes of TAO are not fully understood. IL‐35+B cells are a newly identified regulatory B cells (Bregs) in maintaining immune balance in various autoimmune diseases. Yet, the influence of IL‐35+Bregs in TAO remains unexplored.MethodsThis study enrolled 36 healthy individuals and 14 TAO patients. We isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and stimulated them with IL‐35 and CpG for 48 h. Flow cytometry was used to measure the percentages of IL‐35+Bregs.ResultsThe percentage of circulating IL‐35+Bregs was higher in TAO patients, and this increase correlated positively with disease activity. IL‐35 significantly increased the generation of IL‐35+Bregs in healthy individuals. However, B cells from TAO patients exhibited potential impairment in transitioning into IL‐35+Breg phenotype under IL‐35 stimulation.ConclusionsOur results suggest a potential role of IL‐35+Bregs in the development of TAO, opening new avenues for understanding disease mechanisms and developing therapeutic approaches.