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NIH scientists discover new B cell that tempers autoimmunity - National Institutes of Health

NIH scientists discover new B cell that tempers autoimmunity - National Institutes of Health

NIH scientists discover new B cell that tempers autoimmunity - National Institutes of Health
Dec 02, 2021 1 min, 47 secs

Infusions of purified IL-27 regulatory B cells (I27-Breg ) reduced symptoms in mouse models of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the eye disease autoimmune uveitis.

While similar in function to other Bregs, I27-Breg  have a distinct gene expression profile and originate from the innate B-1a cell lineage,” said Charles Egwuagu, Ph.D., M.P.H., who directs the NEI Molecular Immunology Section.

The principal function of Bregs is in modulating the immune system through expression of various signaling cytokines, such as IL-10 and IL-35, which put the brakes on chronic inflammation.

Thus, a healthy balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines ensures a robust immune response to pathogens while preventing excessive proinflammatory cytokines, which can damage tissues and cause autoimmune disease.

As most Bregs derive from plasma blasts or plasma cell, CD20 depletion led to expansion and eventual discovery of IL-10 secreting B cells (IL-10 Bregs) that exhibit anti-inflammatory characteristics.

They showed that i35-Bregs suppress central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune disease by inducing expansion of IL-10 Bregs.

The researchers next examined whether i27-Breg immunotherapy would be effective in suppressing autoimmune uveitis or a multiple sclerosis (MS)-like disease in mice.

Infusion of purified i27-Breg  ameliorated uveitis and MS through up-regulation of inhibitory receptors (Lag3, PD-1), suppression of T-cell (Th17/Th1) responses, and propagation of inhibitory signals that converted conventional B cells to regulatory lymphocytes that secrete IL-10 and/or IL-35 in eye, brain, and spinal cord.

Visit the NEI website for information about uveitis and more research news

This press release describes a basic research finding

Basic research increases our understanding of human behavior and biology, which is foundational to advancing new and better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease

Most clinical advances would not be possible without the knowledge of fundamental basic research

To learn more about basic research, visit https://www.nih.gov/news-events/basic-research-digital-media-kit

NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases

K. et al. IL-27-producing B-1a cells suppress neuroinflammation and CNS autoimmune diseases. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 118, doi:10.1073/pnas.2109548118 (2021)

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