B Cell Depletion Reduces the Number of Autoreactive T Helper Cells and Prevents Glucose-6-Phosphate Isomerase-Induced Arthritis
2011

B Cell Depletion Reduces Autoreactive T Helper Cells and Prevents Arthritis

Sample size: 8 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Frey Oliver, Bruns Lisa, Morawietz Lars, Dunussi-Joannopoulos Kyri, Kamradt Thomas

Primary Institution: Institute of Immunology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany

Hypothesis

B cell depletion can prevent the induction of arthritis in a mouse model.

Conclusion

B cell depletion prevents but does not cure G6PI-induced arthritis, significantly reducing the number of autoreactive T helper cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • B cell depletion prior to immunization prevented arthritis in mice.
  • B cell depletion after immunization reduced the severity of arthritis.
  • Transfer of antibodies from arthritic mice did not restore arthritis in B cell depleted recipients.
  • B cell depleted mice had significantly fewer G6PI-specific T helper cells than control animals.

Takeaway

When scientists removed certain immune cells called B cells from mice, it helped stop them from getting arthritis, but it didn't help if the mice already had it.

Methodology

Mice were treated with an anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody to deplete B cells before or after immunization with glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, and clinical and immunological effects were assessed.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the use of a single mouse strain and specific immunization methods.

Limitations

The study primarily used a mouse model, which may not fully replicate human disease.

Participant Demographics

Female SJL/J mice aged 6 to 12 weeks were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024718

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