CD32b expression is down-regulated on double-negative memory B cells in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2017 Jan 15:440:1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.11.004. Epub 2016 Nov 7.

Abstract

Inhibitory CD32b receptors on B cells are critical for humoral immunity. The humoral response plays a role in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). This study aimed to investigate B cell subset distribution and CD32b expression within these subsets in HT patients. B cell subset distribution and CD32b expression were analyzed in 60 HT patients and 21 healthy donors. Subset distribution and CD32b expression following stimulation with α-Ig and α-CD40 were also assessed. The percentage of double-negative (DN) memory cells was increased in the HT patients, while the expression level of CD32b on DN memory cells was decreased. Redistribution of B cell subsets was detected in response to stimulation with α-Ig. In addition, the expression level of CD32b was reduced following α-CD40 stimulation. These results suggest that abnormal B cell subset distribution and decreased CD32b expression on DN memory cells might be involved in the pathogenesis of HT.

Keywords: B cell subsets; CD32b; Double-negative memory B cells; Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Down-Regulation*
  • Female
  • Hashimoto Disease / immunology*
  • Hashimoto Disease / metabolism*
  • Hashimoto Disease / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory*
  • Iodide Peroxidase / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptors, IgG / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Fc gamma receptor IIB
  • Receptors, IgG
  • Iodide Peroxidase