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Published on: May 21, 2012
Unusual B cell morphology in inflammatory bowel disease
Caterina Defendenti1, Silvia Grosso, Fabiola Atzeni
1Laboratory Unit, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Milan, Italy. caterina.defendenti@fbf.milano.it
Pathology, Research and Practice
|June 5, 2012
Summary
Researchers identified a distinct B cell subset with irregular nuclei in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. These cells, expressing IgM and CD79, were more prevalent in Crohn's disease and correlated with inflammatory cell markers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- B lymphocytes express diverse surface immunoglobulins, with some studies suggesting links between malignant B cells and other cell types like macrophages.
- Hematopoietic lineage genes, including transcription factors, are co-expressed in stem cells and progenitors, a process known as "lineage priming".
- Dysregulation of transcription factors can lead to lineage conversion, highlighting their critical role in maintaining hematopoietic development hierarchies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the surface markers of specific IgM-positive, irregularly nucleated cells in patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- To determine the association of these unique cell populations with IBD diagnosis and the recruitment of inflammatory cells.
- To correlate histological findings with clinical manifestations in IBD patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of small intestine, colon, and rectal biopsy specimens from 96 IBD patients.
- Immunofluorescence staining using anti-human Ig and anti-human IgM antibodies to identify immunoglobulin-producing cells (IPCs).
- Assessment of B cell markers (CD79, λ, κ chains) and inflammatory cell marker CD15 using monoclonal antibodies.
Main Results:
- A periglandial localization of IPCs with irregular nuclei, expressing B cell markers (IgM, CD79) but with variable λ and κ chain expression, was found in 35.4% of IBD patients.
- These specimens also showed the presence of CD15-positive cells, typically absent in healthy individuals, with their quantity and location correlating to the irregular IPCs.
- IPCs with irregular nuclei were significantly more frequent in Crohn's disease patients compared to ulcerative colitis patients (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- A distinct subpopulation of B cells with irregular nuclei and functional surface IgM exists in IBD patients.
- This unusual B cell subset is associated with CD15 expression, suggesting a role in the inflammatory process.
- The findings indicate a potential link between this B cell variant, CD15, and a diagnosis of Crohn's disease.
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