Thymic B Cells Promote Germinal Center-Like Structures and the Expansion of Follicular Helper T Cells in Lupus-Prone Mice
Loading...
Date
Authors
Hidalgo, Yessia
Núñez, Sarah
Fuenzalida, Maria Jose
Flores-Santibáñez, Felipe
Sáez, Pablo J.
Dorner, Jessica
Lennon-Dumenil, Ana Maria
Martínez, Victor
Zorn, Emmanuel
Rosemblatt, Mario
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Description
<p>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the activation of autoreactive T and B cells, autoantibody production, and immune complex deposition in various organs. Previous evidence showed abnormal accumulation of B cells in the thymus of lupus-prone mice, but the role of this population in the progression of the disease remains mostly undefined. Here we analyzed the spatial distribution, function, and properties of this thymic B cell population in the BWF1 murine model of SLE. We found that in diseased animals, thymic B cells proliferate, and cluster in structures that resemble ectopic germinal centers. Moreover, we detected antibody-secreting cells in the thymus of diseased-BWF1 mice that produce anti-dsDNA IgG autoantibodies. We also found that thymic B cells from diseased-BWF1 mice induced the differentiation of thymocytes to follicular helper T cells (T<sub>FH</sub>). These data suggest that the accumulation of B cells in the thymus of BWF1 mice results in the formation of germinal center-like structures and the expansion of a T<sub>FH</sub> population, which may, in turn, activate and differentiate B cells into autoreactive plasma cells. Therefore, the thymus emerges as an important niche that supports the maintenance of the pathogenic humoral response in the development of murine SLE.</p>
Keywords
follicular helper T cells, germinal center, plasma cells, systemic lupus erythematosus, thymic B cells