Differentiation and immunosuppressive function of CD19^(+)CD24^(hi)CD27^(+) regulatory B cells are regulated through the miR-29a-3p/NFAT5 pathway

Background: Regulatory B cells(Bregs) is an indispensable element in inducing immune tolerance after liver transplantation. As one of the microRNAs(miRNAs), mi R-29a-3p also inhibits translation by degrading the target mRNA, and yet the relationship between Bregs and mi R-29a-3p has not yet been fully explored. This study aimed to investigate the impact of miR-29a-3p on the regulation of differentiation and immunosuppressive functions of memory Bregs(m Bregs) and ultimately provide potentially effective therapies in inducing immune tolerance after liver transplantation. Methods: Flow cytometry was employed to determine the levels of Bregs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. TaqMan low-density array miRNA assays were used to identify the expression of different miRNAs, electroporation transfection was used to induce mi R-29a-3p overexpression and knockdown, and dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the target gene of miR-29a-3p. Results: In patients experiencing acute rejection after liver transplantation, the proportions and immunosuppressive function of m Bregs in the circulating blood were significantly impaired. mi R-29a-3p was found to be a regulator of m Bregs differentiation. Inhibition of miR-29a-3p, which targeted nuclear factor of activated T cells 5(NFAT5), resulted in a conspicuous boost in the differentiation and immunosuppressive function of m Bregs. The inhibition of mi R-29a-3p in CD19~+ B cells was capable of raising the expression levels of NFAT5, thereby promoting B cells to differentiate into m Bregs. In addition, the observed enhancement of differentiation and immunosuppressive function of m Bregs upon mi R-29a-3p inhibition was abolished by the knockdown of NFAT5 in B cells. Conclusions: mi R-29a-3p was found to be a crucial regulator for m Bregs differentiation and immunosuppressive function. Silencing mi R-29a-3p could be a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for inducing immune tolerance after liver transplantation.

ITP患者PD-1/PD-L1表达特点及其在Treg与Breg细胞之间的相互作用机制分析

目的探讨原发免疫性血小板减少症(ITP)患者细胞程序性死亡受体-1(PD-1)/细胞程序性死亡配体1(PD-L1)表达特点及其在调节性T细胞(Treg)、调节性B细胞(Breg)间的相互作用。方法选取2018年12月—2022年1月在我院治疗的ITP患者106例作为观察组,其中轻度患者32例,中度患者44例,重度患者30例。同时选取同期健康志愿者100例作为对照组。检测两组Treg细胞百分比、Breg细胞百分比、Treg细胞表面PD-1阳性率、Breg细胞表面PD-L1阳性率等,同时分析观察组不同病情程度患者各指标差异。结果观察组Breg细胞百分比、Treg细胞百分比、TGF-β、IL-10和IL-4水平均明显低于对照组(P<0.05);观察组Treg细胞表面PD-1阳性率、Breg细胞表面PD-L1阳性率、可溶性程序性细胞死亡蛋白-1(sPD-1)和IL-17水平均明显高于对照组(均P<0.05);两组可溶性程序性细胞死亡蛋白配体-1(sPD-L1)水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组重度患者Breg细胞百分比、Treg细胞百分比均明显低于轻度和中度患者(均P<0.05),而Treg细胞表面PD-1阳性率、Breg细胞表面PD-L1阳性率均明显高于轻度和中度患者(均P<0.05)。Treg细胞表面PD-1阳性率与Breg细胞表面PD-L1阳性率呈正相关(r=0.446,P<0.05)。观察组治疗后Breg细胞百分比、Treg细胞百分比、TGF-β、IL-10和IL-4水平有所升高(P<0.05),而Treg细胞表面PD-1阳性率、Breg细胞表面PD-L1阳性率、sPD-1和IL-17水平有所降低(P<0.05),治疗前后sPD-L1水平比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论ITP患者Treg细胞表面PD-1和Breg细胞表面PD-L1阳性率明显升高,与患者病情严重程度呈正相关,同时Treg细胞表面PD-1和Breg细胞表面PD-L1表达之间存在相关性。

ITP患者治疗前后Breg Treg构成及其相关细胞因子浓度变化和意义分析

目的:探讨免疫性血小板减少症(ITP)患者治疗前后调节性B细胞(Breg)、调节性T细胞(Treg)及其相关细胞因子水平及意义。方法:选取2018年12月至2022年1月在我院治疗的ITP患者103例作为观察组,同时选取健康志愿者103例作为对照组,检测两组Breg细胞、Treg细胞、转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)、白细胞介素-4(IL-4)、白细胞介素-17(IL-17)、可溶性程序性死亡1(sPD-1)和可溶性程序性死亡配体1(sPD-L1)差异,同时分析观察组治疗前后Breg细胞、Treg细胞等差异。结果:观察组Breg细胞、Treg细胞、TGF-β、IL-10和IL-4分别为(4.46±1.01)%、(5.11±1.03)%、(2203.19±225.51)pg/mL、(4.06±0.93)pg/mL和(298.32±55.62)pg/mL,明显低于对照组(P<0.05),IL-17和sPD-1分别为(12.01±2.28)pg/mL和(110.32±19.20)pg/mL,明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。观察组和对照组sPD-L1比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组治疗后3个月Breg细胞、Treg细胞、TGF-β、IL-10和IL-4较治疗前升高(P<0.05),而IL-17和sPD-1较治疗前降低(P<0.05)。观察组治疗无效患者治疗前Breg细胞、Treg细胞分别为(3.88±0.97)%和(4.72±0.98)%,明显低于治疗有效患者(P<0.05);观察组治疗无效和有效患者治疗前TGF-β、IL-10、IL-4、IL-17、sPD-1和sPD-L1比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组治疗无效患者治疗后Breg细胞、Treg细胞和TGF-β分别为(5.68±1.01)%、(6.65±1.02)%和(2606.82±203.14)pg/mL,明显低于治疗有效患者(P<0.05),而IL-17和sPD-1为(10.11±1.60)pg/mL和(102.21±14.04)pg/mL,明显高于治疗有效患者(P<0.05)。治疗前Breg细胞、Treg细胞预测治疗有效的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.694和0.725,P<0.05。结论:ITP患者治疗前Breg细胞、Treg细胞明显降低,且相关细胞因子水平明显异常,治疗后患者Breg细胞、Treg细胞等指标明显改善,同时治疗前Breg细胞、Treg细胞在预测治疗疗效方面有一定应用价值。

BAFF调节免疫性血小板减少症模型小鼠的Th17/Treg平衡的研究

目的:探讨B细胞激活因子(BAFF)对免疫性血小板减少症模型小鼠体内辅助性T细胞17(Th17)/调节性T细胞(Treg)平衡的调节作用和潜在机制。方法:制备豚鼠抗小鼠血小板抗血清(GP-APS),并将150只无特定病原级别的成年雄性BALB/c小鼠(7~8周龄)随机分为5组,每组30只。分别为对照组(空白对照)和ITP组(GP-APS诱导),ITP+rhBAFF组(ITP组联合静脉注射50μg/kg/50μL重组人BAFF蛋白),并在ITP+rhBAFF组处理的基础上分别联合Notch1的抑制剂(DAPT)或PI3K/Akt的抑制剂Polygalacin D(PGD),设立ITP+rhBAFF+DAPT组和ITP+rhBAFF+PGD组,除对照组和ITP组外,均为静脉注射给药,DAPT注射剂量100μg/kg;PGD注射剂量25μg/kg,静脉注射总体积均为50μL,每日1次。1周后取小鼠1mL外周血并分离血清和单个核细胞。用免疫荧光化学检测单个核细胞中BAFF和Notch1的定位。对外周血中的血小板进行计数。酶联免疫吸附法(ELSIA)检测小鼠外周血血清BAFF的水平。Western blot检测小鼠外周血单个核细胞中PI3K、AKT、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的蛋白表达。流式细胞术检测单个核细胞中Th17/Treg的比例变化。结果:ITP小鼠外周血单个核细胞的BAFF与Notch1共定位在细胞膜。与对照组比较,ITP组BAFF、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的表达增加,血小板数目和Treg比例减少,Th17比例增加(P<0.05)。与ITP组比较,ITP+rhBAFF组BAFF、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的表达增加,血小板数目和Treg比例减少,Th17比例增加(P<0.05)。与ITP+rhBAFF组比较,ITP+rhBAFF+DAPT组BAFF、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的表达降低,血小板数目和Treg比例增加,Th17比例降低(P<0.05)。与ITP+rhBAFF组比较,ITP+rhBAFF+PGD组BAFF、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的表达降低,血小板数目和Treg比例增加,Th17比例降低(P<0.05)。结论:BAFF通过激活Notch1/PI3K/Akt信号通路促进免疫性血小板减少症模型小鼠体内Th17比例增加及Treg比例减少。

CD19^(+)CD24^(hi)CD27^(+)调节性B细胞水平与强直性脊柱炎间的关系探讨

目的:探究CD19^(+)CD24^(hi)CD27^(+)调节性B细胞(Bregs)水平与强直性脊柱炎(AS)的关系。方法:将赣州市人民医院2019年1月至2021年12月间收治的80例AS患者纳为观察组,同期体检合格的健康志愿者60例纳为对照组。根据观察组患者疾病临床分期将其分为进展期及强直期,根据患者疾病活动度将其分为活动组、稳定组,检测并比较观察组及对照组、观察组不同分期患者外周血CD19^(+)CD24^(hi)CD27^(+)Breg占CD19^(+)细胞百分比。分析CD19^(+)CD24^(hi)CD27^(+)Bregs百分比与AS患者病程、晨僵时间、巴斯强直性脊柱炎疾病活动指数评分(BASDAI)、IL-10、血沉(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)及骶髂关节X线片分级等临床特点之间的关系。结果:观察组AS患者外周血CD19^(+)CD24^(hi)CD27^(+)Bregs占CD19^(+)B细胞百分比高于健康对照组,强直期AS患者CD19^(+)CD24^(hi)CD27^(+)Breg占CD19^(+)细胞百分比高于进展期患者,且骨性强直期患者外周血CD19^(+)CD24^(hi)CD27^(+)Breg百分比高于纤维性强直期患者,活动组AS患者外周血CD19^(+)CD24^(hi)CD27^(+)Breg占比高于稳定组,以上差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组血清IL-10水平低于对照组,ESR及CRP水平高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。AS患者外周血CD19^(+)CD24^(hi)CD27^(+)Breg占CD19^(+)B细胞百分比与其BASDAI得分及血清IL-10水平呈正相关,与ESR及CRP水平呈负相关,与患者晨僵时间及髂关节X线分级无明显相关性。结论:AS患者外周血CD19^(+)CD24^(hi)CD27^(+)Breg占CD19^(+)B细胞百分比降低,且其水平与患者疾病分期、活动度及实验室指标IL-10、ESR及CRP间具有一定的相关性。

血清SIRT1、sICAM-1及PD-L1联合检测对难治性弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤患者预后的评估效能

目的探讨血清沉默信息调节因子1(SIRT1)、可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1(sICAM-1)及细胞程序性死亡-配体1(PD-L1)联合检测对难治性弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤(DLBCL)患者预后的评估效能。方法选取2022年1月至2023年10月在郑州大学第一附属医院诊治的84例难治DLBCL患者作为研究对象,根据治疗后1个月的疾病状态将患者分为预后良好组(57例)和预后不良组(27例),收集患者的一般临床资料;采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测患者血清SIRT1、sICAM-1及PD-L1水平;分析血清SIRT1、sICAM-1及PD-L1水平与患者临床特征、治疗效果及预后的关系;采用多因素logistic回归分析,筛选出患者预后不良的影响因素。绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线,计算曲线下面积(AUC),评价血清SIRT1、sICAM-1及PD-L1水平对难治DLBCL患者预后的预测能力。结果预后不良组血清SIRT1、sICAM-1及PD-L1水平均高于预后良好组(P<0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,血清SIRT1、sICAM-1及PD-L1水平是影响难治性DLBCL患者预后不良的独立危险因素(P<0.05);ROC结果显示,血清SIRT1、sICAM-1及PD-L1单独及三者联合预测难治性DLBCL患者预后不良的AUC分别为0.851、0.843、0.924、0.980,且三者联合的预测价值高于单独预测(P<0.05)。结论血清SIRT1、sICAM-1及PD-L1水平可作为难治DLBCL患者预后评估的重要指标,且三者联合检测的效能优于单项检测,对指导临床治疗及监测疾病进展有重要意义。

Immunomodulation by mesenchymal stem cells:Interplay between mesenchymal stem cells and regulatory lymphocytes

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) possess immunomodulatory properties, which confer enormous potential for clinical application. Considerable evidence revealed their efficacy on various animal models of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and uveitis. MSCs elicit their immunomodulatory effects by inhibiting lymphocyte activation and proliferation, forbidding the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, limiting the function of antigen presenting cells, and inducing regulatory T(Treg) and B(Breg) cells. The induction of Treg and Breg cells is of particular interest since Treg and Breg cells have significant roles in maintaining immune tolerance. Several mechanisms have been proposed regarding to the MSCs-mediated induction of Treg and Breg cells. Accordingly, MSCs induce regulatory lymphocytes through secretion of multiple pleiotropic cytokines, cell-to-cell contact with target cells and modulation of antigen-presenting cells. Here, we summarized how MSCs induce Treg and Breg cells to provoke immunosuppression.

High mobility group box-1 protein inhibits regulatory T cell immune activity in liver failure in patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND: Liver failure in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is a severe, life-threatening condition. Intestinal endotoxemia plays a significant role in the progress to liver failure. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein is involved in the process of endotoxemia. Regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain immune tolerance and contribute to the immunological hyporesponsiveness against HBV infection. However, the roles of HMGB1 and Treg cells in the pathogenesis of liver failure in CHB patients, and whether HMGB1 affects the immune activity of Treg cells are poorly known at present, and so were explored in this study. METHODS: The levels of HMGB1 expression were detected by ELISA, real-time RT-PCR, and Western blotting, and the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(low) Treg cells among CD4(+) cells was detected by flow cytometry in liver failure patients with chronic HBV infection, CHB patients, and healthy controls. Then, CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(low) Treg cells isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from CHB patients were stimulated with HMGB1 at different concentrations or at various intervals. The effect of HMGB1 on the immune activity of Treg cells was assessed by a suppression assay of the allogeneic mixed lymphocyte response. The levels of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression in Treg cells treated with HMGB1 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: A higher level of HMGB1 expression and a lower percentage of Treg cells within the population of CIA(+) cells were found in liver failure patients than in CHB patients (82.6+/-20.1 mu g/L vs. 34.2+/-13.7 mu g/L; 4.55+/-1.34% vs. 9.52+/-3.89%, respectively). The immune activity of Treg cells was significantly weakened and the levels of Foxp3 expression were reduced in a dose- or time-dependent manner when Treg cells were stimulated with HMGB1 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of HMGB1 and the low percentage of Treg cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of liver failure in patients with chronic HBV infection. Moreover, HMGB1 can weaken the immune activity of Treg cells. It is suggested that effectively inhibiting HMGB1 expression could be a feasible way to treat liver failure by suppressing endotoxemia and enhancing Treg cell activity.

调节性B细胞调控寄生虫感染的研究进展

寄生虫病是一种在全球范围内广泛流行的传染性疾病,对人类和家畜的健康造成了严重威胁。寄生虫入侵宿主后,会激活机体免疫系统。宿主通过先天免疫反应和获得性免疫反应来对抗寄生虫感染,并通过多种调节机制来保护自身,以防止过度的免疫反应。调节性B细胞(regulatory B cells, Bregs)是一类在寄生虫感染过程中具有免疫抑制功能的B细胞亚群。其在自身免疫性疾病、癌症和过敏反应中研究较为广泛。目前,越来越多的研究表明,寄生虫感染可诱导Bregs的产生,并且Bregs可以通过分泌抑炎细胞因子白细胞介素10(interleukin-10,IL-10)抑制炎症反应,从而减轻寄生虫感染对宿主的伤害。然而,关于Bregs增殖的信号通路以及激活机制目前还不清楚,仍需要进一步的探究。作者简要介绍了不同类型的Bregs及其表型,并对Bregs在疟原虫(Plasmodium)、血吸虫(Schistosoma)、利什曼原虫(Leishmania)、弓形虫(Toxoplasma)和锥虫(Trypanosoma)感染过程中发挥的免疫调节作用进行总结,以期为寄生虫的治疗和预防策略提供新的见解。

Mechanism of T cell hyporesponsiveness to HBcAg is associated with regulatory T cells in chronic hepatitis B

AIM： To study the mechanisms of hyporesponsiveness of HBV-specific CD4^＋ T cells by testing TH1 and TH2 commitment and regulatory T cells. METHODS： Nine patients with chronic hepatitis B were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with HBcAg or HBsAg to evaluate their potential to commit to TH1 and TH2 differentiation. HBcAg-specific activity of regulatory T cells was evaluated by staining with antibodies to CD4, CD25, CTLA-4 and interleukin-10. The role of regulatory T cells was further assessed by treatment with anti-interleukin-10 antibody and depletion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ cells. RESULTS： Level of mRNAs for T-bet, IL-12R β2 and IL-4 was significantly lower in the patients than in healthy subjects with HBcAg stimulation. Although populations of CD4^＋CD25^highCTLA-4^＋ T cells were not different between the patients and healthy subjects, IL-10 secreting cells were found in CD4^＋ cells and CD4^＋CD25^＋ cells in the patients in response to HBcAg, and they were not found in cells which were stimulated with HBsAg. Addition of anti-IL-10 antibody recovered the amount of HBcAgspecific TH1 antibody compared with control antibody （P 〈 0.01, 0.34% ± 0.12% vs 0.15% ± 0.04%）. Deletion of CD4^＋CD25^＋ T cells increased the amount of HBcAgspecific TH1 antibody when compared with lymphoo/tes reconstituted using regulatory T cells （P 〈 0.01, 0.03% ± 0.02% vs 0.18% ± 0.05%）.CONCLUSION： The results indicate that the mechanism of T cell hyporesponsiveness to HBcAg includes activation of HBcAg-induced regulatory T cells in contrast to an increase in TH2-committed cells in response to HBsAg.

B cells with regulatory properties in transplantation tolerance

Induction of tolerance remains a major goal in transplantation. Indeed, despite potent immunosuppression, chronic rejection is still a real problem in transplantation. The humoral response is an important mediator of chronic rejection, and numerous strategies have been developed to target either B cells or plasma cells. However, the use of anti-CD20 therapy has highlighted the beneficial role of subpopulation of B cells, termed regulatory B cells. These cells have been characterized mainly in mice models of auto-immune diseases but emerging literature suggests their role in graft tolerance in transplantation. Regulatory B cells seem to be induced following inflammation to restrain excessive response. Different phenotypes of regulatory B cells have been described and are functional at various differentiation steps from immature to plasma cells. These cells act by multiple mechanisms such as secretion of immuno-suppressive cytokines interleukin-10(IL-10) or IL-35, cytotoxicity, expression of inhibitory receptors or by secretion of non-inflammatory antibodies. Better characterization of the development, phenotype and mode of action of these cells seems urgent to develop novel approaches to manipulate the different B cell subsets and the response to the graft in a clinical setting.

肿瘤微环境下调节性B细胞的功能机制研究进展

调节性B细胞(Breg细胞)以较高比例存在于多种恶性肿瘤微环境(TME)中,在维持免疫平衡和调节免疫反应方面发挥重要作用,可阻碍机体抗肿瘤免疫应答。Breg细胞由TME中的一系列信号分化诱导而成,可分泌细胞因子和颗粒酶B、腺苷等代谢物,并通过表达抑制性膜结合分子等机制影响TME中其他免疫调节细胞,从而促进肿瘤的生长和转移。因此,深入理解Breg细胞的分化来源及其在肿瘤免疫调节中关键作用机制可为未来开发新的免疫治疗策略提供方向。

Frequency of IL-10-producing regulatory B cells associated with disease activity in thyroid-associated orbitopathy

AIM： To investigate the association between IL-10-producing regulatory B（B10） cells and the clinical features of thyroid-associated orbitopathy（TAO）. METHODS： A total of 30 patients with TAO were recruited at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from May 2015 to December 2015. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells（PBMCs） were separated from blood samples of 30 TAO patients and 16 healthy controls and stimulated with CD40 ligand and CpG for 48h. The frequency of IL-10＋ B cells was examined by flow cytometry and the correlation between the frequency of IL-10＋ B cells and clinical features of TAO was analyzed by SPSS. RESULTS： The frequency of IL-10＋ B cells among CD19＋ B cells in TAO patients was significantly lower than in healthy controls（TAO： 4.66%±1.88% vs healthy control： 6.82%±2.40%, P〈0.01）. The frequency of IL-10＋ B cells showed a positive correlation with disease activity of TAO measured by Clinical Activity Score（CAS）（r=0.50, P〈0.01）, and became higher in TAO patients with family history of Graves＇ disease（GD）（P=0.04）. CONCLUSION： The decrease of the frequency of IL-10＋ B cells in TAO patients indicates the deficiency of B10 cells in TAO, and the positive association with disease activity suggests its important role in TAO inflammation regulation.

Correlation between Histone Deacetylase 9 and Regulatory T Cell in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Heart failure （HF） is the end stage of various kinds of cardiovascular diseases and leads to a high mortality worldwide. Numerous studies have demonstrated that frequencies of CD4＋CD25＋Foxp3＋ regulatory T cells （Tregs） are reduced in HF patients and properly expanding Tregs attenuates HF progression. Histone deacetylase （HDAC） 9 has been revealed to contribute to several cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Plenty of studies showed that HDAC9 negatively regulated the number and function of Tregs. Thus, we aim to investigate the expression of HDAC 9 in patients with chronic heart failure （CHF） and the relationship among HDAC9, Tregs and CHF. Our research showed a reduced number of Tregs and an increased expression of HDAC9 mRNA in CHF patients. Patients with CHF were divided into two groups by heart function grade of New York Heart Association （NYHA）, we found that the HDAC9 mRNA expression level in NYHA grade Ⅱ -Ⅲ group were lower than that in NYHA grade IV group. More importantly, the correlation study suggested that the expression of HDAC9 mRNA was negatively correlated to Tregs frequency and left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, whereas positively correlated to larger left ventricular end-diastolic dimension （LVEDD） and B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP） in patients with CHF. The correlation studies also showed a positive correlation between HDAC9 and the severity of CHF. Our research suggests that HDAC9 may be a new indicator for assessing CHF and it may offer a new direction for research of CHF.

通过CD20单抗打破小鼠HBV免疫耐受研究Bregs细胞在慢性乙型肝炎中的作用

目的通过利妥昔单抗破坏小鼠HBV感染的免疫耐受状态,了解Bregs细胞在慢性乙型肝炎发病机制中的作用。方法用流式细胞仪动态观察慢性HBV感染小鼠模型中Bregs细胞的数量,同时测量血清IL-10水平、肝功能和凝血功能,并分析Bregs、IL-10和肝功能之间的相关性。结果利妥昔单抗破坏的小鼠肝脏、脾脏和外周血中Bregs细胞低于没有利妥昔单抗破坏的小鼠分别为0.54(0.49,0.71)%比1.34(1.15,1.54)%、3.19(2.90,3.57)%比4.75(3.92,5.32)%、2.50(2.29,2.64)%比3.35(3.07,3.58)%(P<0.05);与对照组相比,利妥昔单抗破坏的小鼠血清IL-10水平也较低为21.51(14.70,28.28)pg/mL比32.87(27.76,35.82)pg/mL(P<0.05)。此外,实验组中Bregs细胞的变化与IL-10呈正相关(r=0.73、0.74、0.71,P<0.05)。实验组的ALT和AST水平高于对照组;实验组的IL-10水平与ALT和AST水平之间存在负相关关系。结论Bregs细胞在慢性乙型肝炎的发病机制中通过分泌IL-10抑制炎症活动。

The Regulatory B Cell in Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients:A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis

Background:The study of regulatory B cells(Bregs)in systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)has been in full swing in recent years,but the number and function of Bregs in SLE patients have also present quite contradictory results.Therefore,we conducted a meta-analysis to verify the changes in Bregs in active SLE.Methods:We identified studies reporting the proportions of Bregs in SLE patients by searching Pubmed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane and CNKI.Due to the degree of heterogeneity is very high,we used a random effects model to assess the mean differences in percentages of Bregs between active SLE and controls.Then,sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to verify potential sources of heterogeneity.Results:Seven eligible articles involving 301 active SLE patients and 218 controls were included in the meta-analysis.The pooled percentages of Bregs were found no significant difference between active SLE patients and healthy controls[0.259,(−1.150,1.668),p=0.719],with great heterogeneity(I2=97.5%).The result of sensitivity analysis showed that exclusion of any single study or single article did not materially resolve the heterogeneity,but after excluding the article conducted by Cai X and his colleagues,the percentages of Bregs were significantly higher in active SLE than those in controls[1.394,(0.114,2.675),p=0.033].The results of subgroup analysis revealed that when the disease activity was judged by SLEDAI score≥5,the percentages of Bregs were significantly lower in the SLE groups than in the control groups[-1.99,(-3.241,-0.739),p=0.002],but when the threshold of SLEDAI score≥6 chosen for active SLE,the percentages of Bregs were significantly increased in the SLE groups[2.546,(1.333,3.759),p<0.001].Meanwhile,other subgroup analysis based on the different phenotypes of Bregs,diagnostic criteria,enrolled research countries,treatment status,and organ involvement did not differ in proportion of Bregs between SLE patients and controls.Conclusions:The study implies that Bregs may play a role in the pathogenesis of active SLE,and the thresholds of SLEDAI score to distinguish between active and inactive SLE patients are important factors affecting the percentages of Bregs.

Th17/Treg balance and macrophage polarization ratio in lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans

Objective:To explore the balance of peripheral blood T helper 17 cells/regulatory T cell(Th17/Treg)ratio and the polarization ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages in lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans(ASO).Methods:A rat model of lower extremity ASO was established,and blood samples from patients with lower extremity ASO before and after surgery were obtained.ELISA was used to detect interleukin 6(IL-6),IL-10,and IL-17.Real-time RCR and Western blot analyses were used to detect Foxp3,IL-6,IL-10,and IL-17 expression.Moreover,flow cytometry was applied to detect the Th17/Treg ratio and M1/M2 ratio.Results:Compared with the control group,the iliac artery wall of ASO rats showed significant hyperplasia,and the concentrations of cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly increased(P<0.01),indicating the successful establishment of ASO.Moreover,the levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in ASO rats were pronouncedly increased(P<0.05),while the IL-10 level was significantly decreased(P<0.05).In addition to increased IL-6 and IL-17 levels,the mRNA and protein levels of Foxp3 and IL-10 in ASO rats were significantly decreased compared with the control group.The Th17/Treg and M1/M2 ratios in the ASO group were markedly increased(P<0.05).These alternations were also observed in ASO patients.After endovascular surgery(such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and arterial stenting),all these changes were significantly improved(P<0.05).Conclusions:The Th17/Treg and M1/M2 ratios were significantly increased in ASO,and surgery can effectively improve the balance of Th17/Treg,and reduce the ratio of M1/M2,and the expression of inflammatory factors.

Mangiferin Promotes Bregs Level,Activates Nrf2 Antioxidant Signaling,and Inhibits Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression in Murine Splenic Mononuclear Cells In Vitro

Recent studies indicated that regulatory B cells(Bregs)and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)antioxidant signaling pathway play important roles in the pathogenesis of chronic graft-versus-host disease(cGVHD).Mangiferin(MA),a polyphenol compound,has been reported to activate Nrf2/antioxidant-responsive element(ARE)signaling pathway.This study was aimed to investigate the effects of MA on Bregs and Nrf2 antioxidant signaling in murine splenic mononuclear cells(MNCs)in vitro.Our results revealed that MA could increase the Bregs level in murine splenic MNCs.Moreover,MA up-regulated the expression of Bregs-associated immunosuppressive factor interleukin-10(IL-10)by activating the Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)signaling in murine splenic MNCs.Meanwhile,MA inhibited the proinflammatory cytokines IL-2 and interferon-y(INF-y)at both mRNA and protein levels.MA also enhanced the transcription and protein expression of Nrf2 and NADPH quinine oxidoreductase 1(NQOl),whereas decreased that of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keapl)in murine splenic MNCs.Moreover,MA promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of murine splenic MNCs.These results suggested that MA exerts immunosuppressive effects by upregulating the Bregs level,activating the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway,and inhibiting the expression of pro-immunoinflammatory factors.MA,as a natural immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent,may have a potential role in the prophylaxis and treatment of cGVHD.

Research Progress on Effects of Regulatory B Cells in Infection Immunity

B cells play immunomodulatory roles mainly by presenting antigens and producing antibodies. In recent years, some B cells were shown to exhibit regulatory functions. This type of B cell was named regulatory B cells(Bregs). Bregs can mediate immune tolerance to inhibit excessive inflammatory responses and to accelerate recovery of infl ammation by producing interleukin 10 and/or transforming growth factor β1 and other inhibitory cytokines. Studies showed that Bregs play important roles in parasites, bacteria, and viral infections. This study reviews biological characteristics, functions, and microsignal regulation of Bregs and their mechanism in infectious diseases and related research progress.

汉黄芩素调节磷脂酰肌醇3激酶/丝氨酸苏氨酸蛋白激酶/核因子κB信号通路对慢性阻塞性肺疾病大鼠辅助性T细胞17/调节性T细胞平衡的影响

目的探讨汉黄芩素(Wog)调节磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)/丝氨酸苏氨酸蛋白激酶(Akt)/核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)大鼠辅助性T细胞17(Th17)/调节性T细胞(Treg)平衡的影响。方法2022年8-12月,大鼠采用随机数字表法分为Model组、低剂量Wog组(Wog-L组,50 mg/kg)、高剂量Wog组(Wog-H组,100 mg/kg)、阳性药物氨茶碱组(Ami组,2.3 mg/kg)、IGF-1(PI3K激活剂)组(1.33 mg/kg)、Wog-H+IGF-1组(100 mg/kg+1.33 mg/kg)、对照组(CK组),每组12只。除CK组外,其他组大鼠均需利用烟熏法联合气管滴注脂多糖(LPS)的方法构建COPD模型,建模成功24 h后,进行给药处理,每天1次给药,持续4周。检测呼气峰流量(PEF)、每分钟通气量(MV)、吸气峰流量(PIF);流式细胞术检测外周血中Th17/Treg;HE染色检测肺组织病理;酶联免疫吸附法检测大鼠肺组织中白细胞介素(IL)-17、IL-10水平;蛋白质印迹法检测肺组织中维甲酸相关孤核受体γt(RORγt)、叉头框蛋白P3(Foxp3)、磷酸化PI3K(p-PI3K)、磷酸化Akt(p-Akt)、磷酸化NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)蛋白。结果与CK组比较,Model组大鼠PEF(12.56±0.47比8.72±0.39)、PIF(9.35±0.32比7.24±0.17)、MV(132.26±5.78比96.63±3.28)、Treg(31.18±2.62比15.52±1.01)比例、IL-10(23.35±1.16比8.85±0.27)明显降低(均P<0.05);Th17(3.14±0.13比18.86±1.67)比例、Th17/Treg(0.10±0.01比1.22±0.11)、肺泡间隔(33.36±1.48比49.78±1.73)、气道炎症评分(0比4.56±0.23)及IL-17(75.83±3.60比185.56±8.62)水平明显升高(均P<0.05)。与Model组比较,Wog-L组、Wog-H组PEF(9.66±0.40,11.49±0.51)、PIF(8.28±0.19,9.03±0.22)、MV(105.54±4.11,126.67±5.72)、Treg(19.93±1.18,27.73±2.05)比例、IL-10(11.56±0.33,20.72±0.59)水平明显升高(均P<0.05);Th17(3.14±0.13比18.86±1.67)比例、Th17/Treg(0.10±0.01比1.22±0.11)、肺泡间隔(43.45±1.26,35.78±1.12)、气道炎症评分(3.75±0.17,0.86±0.07)、IL-17(162.27±7.14,103.35±4.33)水平明显降低(均P<0.05)。与CK组比较,Model组大鼠RORγt(0.15±0.01比1.34±0.11)、p-PI3K(0.22±0.01比0.86±0.07)、p-Akt(0.18±0.01比0.75±0.06)、p-NF-κB p65(0.11±0.01比0.69±0.06)蛋白表达升高,Foxp3(1.45±0.27比0.35±0.02)蛋白表达降低(均P<0.05)。与Model组相比,Wog-L组、Wog-H组RORγt(1.08±0.10,0.36±0.02)、p-PI3K(0.71±0.06,0.35±0.03)、p-Akt(0.62±0.06,0.28±0.02)、p-NF-κB p65(0.52±0.05,0.26±0.02)蛋白表达明显降低,Foxp3(0.57±0.04,1.13±0.09)蛋白表达明显升高(均P<0.05)。Wog-H组与Ami组大鼠上述各指标水平近似,均差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。IGF-1逆转了高剂量Wog对COPD大鼠Th17/Treg的影响。结论Wog促进COPD大鼠Th17/Treg平衡的机制可能与下调PI3K/Akt/NF-κB通路有关。