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Updated: Jul 19, 2025
Single-cell Analysis of Immunophenotype and Cytokine Production in Peripheral Whole Blood via Mass Cytometry
Published on: June 26, 2018
Elevated circulating CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells display pro-inflammatory phenotype in idiopathic membranous
Bishun Deng1, Li Deng1, Miao Liu1
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Insights
Regulatory B cells (CD19+CD24hiCD38hi) are increased but functionally impaired in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) patients. These cells show altered cytokine profiles, potentially contributing to IMN pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Regulatory B cells, specifically CD19+CD24hiCD38hi, are known for immunosuppressive functions via IL-10 production.
- The precise role of these regulatory B cells in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) has not been fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and functional characteristics of circulating CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells in IMN patients.
- To assess the correlation between CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells and clinical parameters, as well as T helper cell subsets in IMN.
- To evaluate changes in CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells following immunosuppressive treatment.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to determine the frequency of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells.
- Cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12) in B cells were analyzed.
- T helper cell subsets (Th2, Th17) were quantified.
- Correlations with clinical data (urinary protein, serum protein, serum albumin) were assessed.
Main Results:
- IMN patients exhibited a higher frequency of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells compared to healthy controls.
- This frequency decreased significantly after cyclophosphamide treatment.
- CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cell frequency correlated positively with proteinuria and negatively with serum proteins.
- These B cells in IMN patients showed increased IL-6 and IL-12, but decreased IL-10 production.
- An association was found between CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells and Th17 cell frequency.
Conclusions:
- CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells are expanded but functionally impaired in IMN patients.
- The altered pro-inflammatory cytokine profile of these B cells may play a role in IMN pathogenesis.
- These findings suggest a potential therapeutic target within B cell populations for IMN.
Abstract:
CD19+CD24hiCD38hi regulatory B cells exert immunosuppressive functions by producing IL-10, but their role in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) remains elusive. Here, we investigated the frequency and functional changes of circulating CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells and evaluated the correlation of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells with clinical features and T helper cell subsets in IMN patients. Compared with healthy controls (HCs), IMN patients showed an increased frequency of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells, but a significant reduction in the percentage of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells was observed 4 weeks after cyclophosphamide treatment. The frequency of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells was positively correlated with the levels of 24h urinary protein, but negatively correlated with serum total protein and serum albumin, respectively. CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells in IMN patients displayed a skewed pro-inflammatory cytokine profile with a higher level of IL-6 and IL-12, but a lower concentration of IL-10 than their healthy counterparts. Accompanied by upregulation of Th2 and Th17 cells in IMN patients, the percentage of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cell subset was positively associated with Th17 cell frequency. In conclusion, CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells were expanded but functionally impaired in IMN patients. Their altered pro-inflammatory cytokine profile may contribute to the pathogenesis of IMN.
