Identification of autoreactive B cells with labeled nucleosomes

Sci Rep. 2017 Apr 4;7(1):602. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-00664-0.

Abstract

The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases has not been completely elucidated yet, and only a few specific treatments have been developed so far. In autoimmune diseases mediated by pathogenic autoantibodies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, the specific detection and analysis of autoreactive B cells is crucial for a better understanding of the physiopathology. Biological characterization of these cells may help to define new therapeutic targets. Very few techniques allowing the precise detection of autoreactive B cells have been described so far. Herein we propose a new flow cytometry technique for specific detection of anti-nucleosome B cells, which secrete autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus, using labeled nucleosomes. We produced different fluorochrome-labeled nucleosomes, characterized them, and finally tested them in flow cytometry. Nucleosomes labeled via the cysteines present in H3 histone specifically bind to autoreactive B cells in the anti-DNA transgenic B6.56R mice model. The present work validates the use of fluorochrome-labeled nucleosomes via cysteines to identify anti-nucleosome B cells and offers new opportunities for the description of autoreactive B cell phenotype.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Autoantigens / immunology
  • Autoimmunity*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Biomarkers
  • Cell Line
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Nucleosomes / immunology*
  • Nucleosomes / metabolism*
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoantigens
  • Biomarkers
  • Nucleosomes