Interleukin-21 is increased in active systemic lupus erythematosus patients and contributes to the generation of plasma B cells.
Clin Exp Rheumatol
; 31(2): 172-9, 2013.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23137515
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Excessive interleukin- (IL-) 21 production by T cells has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We explored the expression and function of IL-21 in human SLE.METHODS:
IL-21 and IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) expression was assessed by real-time PCR and flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SLE patients and healthy controls. PBMCs, purified CD19+CD27- naïve and CD19+CD27+ memory B cells were stimulated with IL-21 and CpG-ODN2006 (TLR-9 agonist) to examine generation of memory and plasma (CD19+CD38highIgD-) B cells. Apoptosis was assessed by 7AAD staining.RESULTS:
Active SLE patients had 4-fold higher IL-21 mRNA and increased levels of intracellular IL-21 in peripheral blood CD4+ T cells (mean±SD fluorescence intensity, 1.7±0.1 in active versus 0.9±0.3 in inactive SLE and controls, p=0.035). IL-21R mRNA was comparable between SLE and healthy controls. Stimulation of PBMCs with IL-21 increased the proportion of memory and plasma cells; addition of CpG-ODN2006 enhanced these effects. Both naïve and memory B cells responded to IL-21/TLR-9 by increased generation of memory and plasma B cells, respectively; an anti-apoptotic effect was observed. In active SLE, PBMCs stimulation with IL-21 and/or CpG-ODN increased memory and plasma B cells, comparable to healthy controls. Addition of IL-21 to lupus autologous mixed lymphocyte cultures induced significant IgG production, and treatment with IL-21R.Fc to block IL-21/IL-21R interaction reduced the proportion of plasma cells.CONCLUSIONS:
Increased IL-21 may synergise with TLR-9 signalling and contributes to generation of plasma cells in active SLE patients.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Linfócitos B
/
Interleucinas
/
Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2013
Tipo de documento:
Article