B lymphocytes trigger monocyte mobilization and impair heart function after acute myocardial infarction

Nat Med. 2013 Oct;19(10):1273-80. doi: 10.1038/nm.3284. Epub 2013 Sep 15.

Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction is a severe ischemic disease responsible for heart failure and sudden death. Here, we show that after acute myocardial infarction in mice, mature B lymphocytes selectively produce Ccl7 and induce Ly6C(hi) monocyte mobilization and recruitment to the heart, leading to enhanced tissue injury and deterioration of myocardial function. Genetic (Baff receptor deficiency) or antibody-mediated (CD20- or Baff-specific antibody) depletion of mature B lymphocytes impeded Ccl7 production and monocyte mobilization, limited myocardial injury and improved heart function. These effects were recapitulated in mice with B cell-selective Ccl7 deficiency. We also show that high circulating concentrations of CCL7 and BAFF in patients with acute myocardial infarction predict increased risk of death or recurrent myocardial infarction. This work identifies a crucial interaction between mature B lymphocytes and monocytes after acute myocardial ischemia and identifies new therapeutic targets for acute myocardial infarction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Cell Activating Factor / blood
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Chemokine CCL7 / biosynthesis
  • Chemokine CCL7 / blood
  • Heart / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Depletion
  • Mice
  • Monocytes / physiology*
  • Myocardial Infarction / metabolism
  • Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • B-Cell Activating Factor
  • Ccl7 protein, mouse
  • Chemokine CCL7
  • Tnfsf13b protein, mouse