Upregulated ZBP1 Is Associated with B-Cell Dysregulation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background/Objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by B-cell hyperactivation and excessive autoantibody production. Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1), an innate immune sensor involved in nucleic acid recognition and cell death signaling, has been implicated in antiviral and inflammatory responses. However, its role in B-cell dysregulation during SLE remains unclear. Methods: Integrative transcriptomic analyses were performed using public datasets (GSE61635, GSE235658, GSE136035, and GSE163497) to determine the expression pattern and biological functions of ZBP1 in SLE. Bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq data were used to evaluate ZBP1 expression across B-cell subsets. Correlations between ZBP1 expression, disease activity, and immunological parameters were assessed. RNA-seq data following ZBP1 knockdown were analyzed to explore its potential downstream pathways and molecular networks. In addition, in vitro ZBP1 knockdown experiments were conducted to examine its effects on B-cell activation, plasma cell differentiation, and antibody production. Results: ZBP1 was significantly upregulated in peripheral blood and B cells from SLE patients and was enriched in pathways related to type I interferon signaling and cytokine-mediated immune responses. Single-cell transcriptomic profiling further revealed elevated ZBP1 expression across multiple B-cell subsets, including naïve B cells, memory B cells, age-associated B cells (ABCs), and plasma cells. Clinically, ZBP1 expression in peripheral B cells was positively correlated with CD86 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores, and serum IgG levels, suggesting a link between ZBP1 and B-cell activation. RNA-seq analysis following ZBP1 silencing demonstrated that ZBP1 regulates genes involved in the cell cycle, DNA replication, and p53 signaling, indicating its potential role in promoting B-cell proliferation and activation. Functionally, ZBP1 silencing impaired B-cell activation, reduced plasma cell differentiation, and decreased immunoglobulin production in vitro. Conclusions: Our study identifies ZBP1 as a molecule upregulated in SLE B cells and associated with B-cell activation and disease activity. Although direct causality remains to be established, the data indicate that ZBP1 may contribute to SLE pathogenesis by modulating cell cycle-related pathways and promoting aberrant B-cell responses, highlighting its potential as a biomarker and a candidate therapeutic target in SLE.