Systemic activation of the immune system induces aberrant BAFF and APRIL expression in B cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Van Trung Chu, Philipp Enghard, Stefanie Schürer, Gudrun Steinhauser, Birgit Rudolph, Gabriela Riemekasten, Claudia Berek*

*Corresponding author for this work
82 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective. Elevated levels of BAFF and APRIL are characteristic of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The reasons for enhanced cytokine production are not well understood. This study was undertaken to identify the cells responsible for the overproduction of these cytokines. Methods. BAFF expression was analyzed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells by multiparameter flow cytometry and in tissue samples by immunofluorescence staining. The levels of BAFF and APRIL mRNA were quantified in sorted B cells. In vitro cultures were used to analyze whether B cell survival and differentiation was supported by autocrine BAFF and/or APRIL. Results. Aberrant activation of B cells in patients with SLE was associated with a significant upregulation of BAFF expression in naive, memory, and plasma cells. Furthermore, strong expression of BAFF and APRIL was found in plasma cells from the lymph node, bone marrow, and kidney. The levels of BAFF and APRIL mRNA in CD19+ B cells correlated both with the titer of anti-double stranded DNA antibodies and with the SLE Disease Activity Index. In vitro experiments demonstrated that B cells released functional BAFF/APRIL upon activation. Conclusion. Our data show that B cells contribute to the enhanced levels of circulating BAFF and APRIL. The aberrant up-regulation of these cytokines may initiate a vicious circle in which enhanced levels of BAFF and APRIL act in an autocrine manner to reinforce the systemic activation of the humoral immune system.

Original languageEnglish
JournalArthritis and Rheumatism
Volume60
Issue number7
Pages (from-to)2083-2093
Number of pages11
ISSN0004-3591
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 07.2009

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Infection and Inflammation Research (ZIEL)

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