IL-10 production in B cells is confined to CD154+ cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

J Autoimmun. 2004 Dec;23(4):379-83. doi: 10.1016/j.jaut.2004.10.001.

Abstract

The immunological hallmark of SLE is B cell hyperactivity. CD154 (CD40-L) is normally expressed in activated T cells, and plays an important role in T-B interactions. Its expression is increased in SLE T cells. Additionally, its expression on B cells leads to the development of SLE-like disease in a transgenic model. IL-10 is a key cytokine in the disturbed SLE immune system. The aim of this work was to explore the relation between IL-10 and CD154 expression in SLE B cells. We studied 11 SLE patients and 10 healthy volunteers. Mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood and cultured in the presence or absence of Cowan I Strain Staphylococcus (CSS). Surface CD154 and intracytoplasmic IL-10 expression were quantified with flow cytometry. In basal conditions, CD154 expression was not different in patients and controls. B cell stimulation did not cause a significant increase in CD154 expression in control B cells. However, its expression increased 2 times in B cells obtained from SLE patients. IL-10 expression was confined to CD154(+) cells. Our results show that IL-10 production is intimately linked to CD154 expression in B cells, and that the IL-10(+)CD154(+) B cell subset increases abnormally when SLE-derived cells are stimulated with CSS.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • CD40 Ligand / analysis
  • CD40 Ligand / metabolism*
  • CD5 Antigens / analysis
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-10 / analysis
  • Interleukin-10 / biosynthesis*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • CD5 Antigens
  • Interleukin-10
  • CD40 Ligand