[HTML][HTML] Effect of leflunomide on the abnormal expression of lipid rafts and F-actin in B lymphocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

GF Dong, X Zhang, DN He, L Li… - Journal of Immunology …, 2015 - hindawi.com
GF Dong, X Zhang, DN He, L Li, GF Zhang
Journal of Immunology Research, 2015hindawi.com
Purposes. To investigate the possible changes in B cell subsets and in B cell expression
patterns of lipid rafts (LRs) and F-actin in patients with SLE and whether leflunomide
treatment may have effect on these changes. Methods. The B cell subsets and LRs
expression were determined by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, and F-actin
expression was examined by confocal microscopy. Results. CD27+ IgD+ B cell subsets
were significantly decreased while CD38+ CD95+ B cell subsets increased in SLE patients …
Purposes. To investigate the possible changes in B cell subsets and in B cell expression patterns of lipid rafts (LRs) and F-actin in patients with SLE and whether leflunomide treatment may have effect on these changes. Methods. The B cell subsets and LRs expression were determined by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, and F-actin expression was examined by confocal microscopy. Results. CD27+IgD+ B cell subsets were significantly decreased while CD38+CD95+ B cell subsets increased in SLE patients. The LRs levels of B cells were remarkably increased and positively correlated with SLEDAI and anti-dsDNA titer in SLE patients. The expression level of LRs was significantly higher in CD38+ B cells than CD38 B cells and negatively correlated with C3 levels. The increased expression of LRs was associated with reduced expression of F-actin in the B cells from active SLE patients. Furthermore, in vitro treatment of the cells with A771726 reduced the expression level of LRs, attenuated the overaggregation of LRs, and normalized the distribution of F-actin. Conclusions. There were abnormalities in B cell subsets and LRs and F-actin expression of B cell from SLE patients. Modulation of B cell expression of LRs and F-actin by LEF could be a potential therapeutic target for SLE.
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