IL-10-producing B cells play important role in the pathogenesis of recurrent pregnancy loss

Interleukin (IL)-10-producing B cells are recently known for their regulatory function in several disorders. However, the possible role of these cells remains unclear in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) pathogenesis. Total B cells from 24 RPL patients with cellular immune abnormalities, as well as that of 25 normal pregnant women were cultured and stimulated by Toll Like Receptor (TLR) agonists (CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) and imiquimod). Then, the frequency of IL-10⁺ CD19⁺ B cells was found out using flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the levels of IL-10 in supernatant medium and serum of stimulated B cells, as well as those of several serum autoantibodies. Real-Time PCR method was carried out for determining the IL-10 expression level and specific genes transcripts. RPL patients indicated a lower proportion of IL-10⁺ CD19⁺ B cells, and reduced levels of IL-10 in both serum and supernatant of the culture medium of the stimulated B cells. According to the results, total IgG levels was greater in serum of RPL patients in comparison with healthy pregnant women. Similarly, the percentage of these cells was negatively correlated with serum total IgG levels and the number of miscarriages. The expression levels of the mRNA of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and IL-10 were lower in RPL patients, while those of x binding protein 1 (XBP-1), interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), and B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (BLIMP1) were significantly increased. These observations indicated that the reduction in the population of peripheral blood IL-10-synthesizing B cells may prompt RPL pathogenesis, suggesting suppressive effects of these cells on autoantibody production and successful pregnancy outcomes.