ASN's Mission

To create a world without kidney diseases, the ASN Alliance for Kidney Health elevates care by educating and informing, driving breakthroughs and innovation, and advocating for policies that create transformative changes in kidney medicine throughout the world.

learn more

Contact ASN

1401 H St, NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20005

email@asn-online.org

202-640-4660

The Latest on X

Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO651

Genetic Regulation of Exhausted and Classic Memory B Cells in Lupus Nephritis: Results from In Vitro Studies and Bioinformatic Analyses

Session Information

Category: Glomerular Diseases

  • 1402 Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Therapeutics

Authors

  • Zhu, Litong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, HongKong, Hong Kong
  • Yap, Yat Hin Desmond, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, HongKong, Hong Kong
Background

Disturbances in exhausted and classical memory B cells are crucial B lymphocyte abnormalities. Genetic dysregulation of exhausted and memory B cells in lupus nephritis remains unclear.

Methods

We analyzed the single cell RNA-seq data of peripheral mononuclear blood cells from the NIH LN dataset (GSE135779) and another published LN single-cell RNA-seq dataset(dbGAP database accession code phs001457.v1.p1). Overlapping differentially expressed genes in exhausted and classical memory B cells from SLE and LN patients were identified, and their expression was validated in B cells obtained from LN patients and healthy controls. GO and KEGG analyses were used to analyze associated pathways. The circulating immune cells in SLE patients were analyzed and their relationship with candidate genes were examined.

Results

IFI44L, XAF1, and MX1 were detected in both exhausted and classical memory B cells, and their increased expression were verified in classical and exhausted memory B cells were obtained from LN patients during remission. Protein protein interaction network of DEGs suggested that STAT1 showed the highest eigenvector centrality. GO and KEGG analyses also suggested that IFI44L, XAF1 and MX1 were involved in distinct biological processes and immune pathways related to SLE and LN. Circulating immune cell analysis revealed significant links between exhausted B cell, neutrophil, and immature B cell.

Conclusion

Altered IFI44L, XAF1 and MX1 expression in exhausted and classical memory B cells may be related to the pathogenesis of SLE and LN.

Funding

  • Government Support – Non-U.S.