Evaluation of b-cell subsets in Egyptian systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Abstract EN

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by exaggerated B cell responses that lead to the production of an array of autoantibodies.

The CD27 molecule belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor family.

The frequency of CD27+ + plasma cells has been shown to correlate significantly with SLE disease activity.

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the expression of CD27 on B-cell subsets in the peripheral blood of patients with SLE.

Participants and methods The expression of CD27 on B-cell subsets was studied in 36 SLE patients (four men, 32 women, mean age 30.08 ± 10.35 years, range 14–60) as defined by the American College of Rheumatology criteria; 20 healthy controls (two men, 18 women, mean age 32.70 ±11.72 years, range 15–62) were included in the study using flow cytometric analysis.

Clinical disease activity was assessed according to the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI).

SLE patients were divided into two groups: active SLE patients with SLEDAI changes of more than 3 points and inactive SLE patients with SLEDAI changes of 3 or less.

Results Active and inactive SLE patients had significantly decreased frequency and absolute number of CD19+ B cells.

The frequency of memory CD19+ CD27+ B cells was significantly increased in active SLE patients.

A significant increase in both the frequency and the absolute number of CD19+ CD27high PCs was found in active SLE patients.

The frequency and absolute number of CD19+ CD27high PCs were significantly correlated with SLEDAI, anti-dsDNA, and C3 level.

Conclusion The higher percentage of CD19+ CD27high PCs is a promising biomarker for monitoring SLE disease activity.