Effect of CD40/CD40L signaling on IL-10-producing regulatory B cells in Chinese children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis.

The aim of the present study was to examine the role and mechanism of interleukin-10 (IL-10)-producing regulatory B cells (B10 cells) in the pathogenesis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). We examined the percentage of B10 cells, CD19+ CD24hi CD38hi B cells, CD19+ CD24hi CD27+ B cells, Th17 cells, and T regulatory (Treg) cells within the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) population in healthy subjects and HSP/HSPN patients. The percentage of B10 cells and CD19+ CD24hi CD38hi B cells was reduced in HSPN patients and that of CD19+ CD24hi CD27+ B cells was decreased only in HSPN patients with hematuria and proteinuria or massive proteinuria. The expression of IL-10 by B10 cells and their subsets was decreased in HSPN patients and returned to normal levels in HSP/HSPN patients in remission. B10 cells and their subsets negatively correlated with the Th17/Treg ratio. There was no difference in B10pro + B10 cells, Th17 cells, Treg cells, and the Th17/Treg ratio between children with HSP/HSPN and healthy controls after CD40L stimulation. On the other hand, the level of IL-10 expressed by CD19+ CD40+ B cells was decreased in HSPN, and the percentage of B10pro + B10 cells and Treg cells was reduced and that of Th17 cell was increased in the presence of anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody (mAb). Thus, decreased B10 cells and CD19+ CD24hi CD38hi B cells may function as an early marker of renal impairment in HSPN. The dysfunction of B10 cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of HSPN by regulating the Th17/Treg balance. Moreover, the CD40/CD40L signaling pathway may play a role in B10 cell differentiation and functional maturation.