Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Allergic Rhinitis Research with Multicolor Immunofluorescence
Published on: September 22, 2023
CD38+ B cells affect immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis
Gui-Xiang Tian1, Ke-Ping Peng2, Ming-Hui Liu1
1Department of Ultrasound, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Research Center of Ultrasonography, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
Background:
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the mainstay in the treatment of allergic diseases, but the therapeutic effects of AIT need to be improved. CD38+ B cells are an immune cell fraction involved in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases as well as in immune regulation.
Objective:
We sought to elucidate the role of antigen-specific CD38+ B cells in AIT.
Methods:
An analysis was carried out on AIT results of 48 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (AR), among which peripheral blood immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry; serum cytokine levels were determined by ELISA. An AR murine model was developed to test the role of CD38+ B cells in AIT.
Results:
A fraction of antigen-specific CD38+ B cell was detected in AR patients. CD38+ B-cell frequency was negatively correlated with the therapeutic effects of AIT. A negative correlation was detected between the CD38+ B-cell frequency and regulatory T-cell frequency in AR patients treated with AIT. Exposure to specific antigens induced CD38+ B cells to produce IL-6, that converted Treg cells to TH17 cells. Coadministration of anti-CD38 antibody significantly promoted the therapeutic effects of AIT.
Conclusions:
Antigen-specific CD38+ B cells compromise AIT effects by producing IL-6 to convert regulatory T cells to TH17 cells. Inhibition of CD38+ B cells promotes the effects of AIT.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...