CD21low B cells in systemic sclerosis: A possible marker of vascular complications

Ramona Marrapodi; Chiara Pellicano; Giovanna Radicchio; Giorgia Leodori; Stefania Colantuono; Andrea Iacolare; Antonietta Gigante; Marcella Visentini; Edoardo Rosato

doi:10.1016/j.clim.2020.108364

CD21^low B cells in systemic sclerosis: A possible marker of vascular complications

Clin Immunol. 2020 Apr:213:108364. doi: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108364. Epub 2020 Feb 19.

Authors

Ramona Marrapodi¹, Chiara Pellicano², Giovanna Radicchio¹, Giorgia Leodori², Stefania Colantuono¹, Andrea Iacolare², Antonietta Gigante², Marcella Visentini¹, Edoardo Rosato³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
² Department of Translational and Precision Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
³ Department of Translational and Precision Medicine-Scleroderma Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: edoardo.rosato@uniroma1.it.

PMID: 32087329
DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108364

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate expansion of CD21^low B cells and their role in B cell homeostasis, apoptosis, clinical manifestations and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Materials and methods: B-cells subpopulations and apoptosis have been assessed in 74 SSc patients and 20 healthy donors. Renal Doppler ultrasound, echocardiography, pulmonary function test and VEGF were performed.

Results: SSc patients with expanded CD21^low B cells (SSc-CD21^low) show a distinct B cell profile with increased memory B cells compared to patients without CD21^low B cells (SSc-CD21⁺). Renal resistive index, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and FVC/DLCO ratio were significantly higher in SSc-CD21^low group than SSc-CD21⁺, DLCO was lower in SSc-CD21^low group than SSc-CD21⁺. We found a positive linear correlation between CD21^low and sPAP, RI and FVC/DLCO ratio whereas a negative correlation was observed between CD21^low and DLCO and VEGF levels.

Conclusions: CD21^low B cells are increased in SSc patients with visceral vascular manifestations.

Keywords: B cells; CD21(low); Kidney; Pulmonary arterial hypertension; Systemic sclerosis.

MeSH terms

Aged
B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
Female
Heart Diseases / etiology
Humans
Kidney Diseases / etiology
Lung Diseases / etiology
Male
Middle Aged
Receptors, Complement 3d / immunology
Scleroderma, Systemic / complications*
Scleroderma, Systemic / immunology*
Scleroderma, Systemic / pathology
Vascular Diseases / etiology*
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / blood

Substances

Receptors, Complement 3d
VEGFA protein, human
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A