The survival and function of IL-10-producing regulatory B cells are negatively controlled by SLAMF5

Nat Commun. 2021 Mar 25;12(1):1893. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22230-z.

Abstract

B cells have essential functions in multiple sclerosis and in its mouse model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, both as drivers and suppressors of the disease. The suppressive effects are driven by a regulatory B cell (Breg) population that functions, primarily but not exclusively, via the production of IL-10. However, the mechanisms modulating IL-10-producing Breg abundance are poorly understood. Here we identify SLAMF5 for controlling IL-10+ Breg maintenance and function. In EAE, the deficiency of SLAMF5 in B cells causes accumulation of IL10+ Bregs in the central nervous system and periphery. Blocking SLAMF5 in vitro induces both human and mouse IL-10-producing Breg cells and increases their survival with a concomitant increase of a transcription factor, c-Maf. Finally, in vivo SLAMF5 blocking in EAE elevates IL-10+ Breg levels and ameliorates disease severity. Our results suggest that SLAMF5 is a negative moderator of IL-10+ Breg cells, and may serve as a therapeutic target in MS and other autoimmune diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Cell Survival / immunology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / immunology
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family / genetics
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cd84 protein, mouse
  • IL10 protein, mouse
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family
  • Interleukin-10