The expression of Siglec-10 on naive B cells is involved in the pathology of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Objectives: Previous studies have reported the expansion of CD19+Siglec-10+ B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. However, the composition of this cell population, phenotype and characteristics are still unknown.

Methods: We examined this memory B-cell subset's composition and phenotype and determined the SYK and AKT phosphorylation levels by flow cytometry. Additionally, we explored the relationship between Siglec-10 expression on B-cell subsets and clinical manifestations.

Results: Our results indicated elevated levels of Siglec-10 on naive B cells in active SLE patients. Compared with healthy controls (HCs) and inactive SLE patients, the Siglec-10+ B cells in active SLE patients exhibited elevated CD40 and CD21low levels. The levels of Siglec-10 on naive B cells were positively correlated with the proportion of CD21low double negative (DN) B cells and the SLEDAI-2K score.

Conclusions: The results indicate that the upregulation of Siglec-10+/naive B cells may function as a feedback mechanism to regulate B cell hyperreactivity. Monitoring the proportion of Siglec-10+/naive B cells may contribute to the evaluation of disease progression in SLE.