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Antigen-Dependent B Cell Differentiation in the Synovial Tissue of a Patient with Reactive Arthritis

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Abstract

Background

Reactive arthritis (ReA) can develop as a consequence of a bacterial infection with organisms such as Chlamydia trachomata, Shigella flexneri, or Yersinia enterocolitica. Although the mechanism underlying the induction of a chronic synovitis is unknown, the expression of HLA-B27 seems to play a crucial role in the etiology of the disease. Bacterial antigens induce a humoral immune response, but little is known about the impact of B cells on the inflammatory processes developing in the synovial membrane.

Materials and Methods

Cryostat sections were prepared from the synovial tissue (ST) of patients with ReA and stained with antibodies specific for T, B, and follicular dendritic cells. Lymphoid infiltrates were directly isolated by microdisection and DNA was prepared from them. The rearranged V genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloned, and sequenced.

Results

Histological staining showed that germinal, center-like structures develop in the ST of patients with ReA. B cells with a heterogenous repertoire were isolated from these lymphoid infiltrates. The majority of V regions carried somatic mutations indicating that sequences are derived from memory B cells. Genealogical trees demonstrate clonal expansion and diversification of the B cell repertoire in the ST.

Conclusions

The finding of local V-region diversification suggests that in the ST of patients with ReA, an antigen-driven, T cell-dependent differentiation of B cells occurs. This local B cell response may contribute to the progress of the disease. Whether B cells are specific for the bacteria inducing the synovitis or for self-determinants present in the ST remains to be determined.

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Acknowledgements

We thank R.S. Jack, B. Müller, and S.A. Camacho for critical reading of the manuscript and helpful discussion, and L. Neure for technical assistance. This work was supported by the Senate for Research and Education of the City of Berlin.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Deutsches Rheuma ForschungsZentrum Berlin, Monbijoustr. 2, 10117, Berlin, Germany

    Anja E. Schröder & Claudia Berek

  2. Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany

    Jochen Sieper

Authors
  1. Anja E. Schröder
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  2. Jochen Sieper
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  3. Claudia Berek
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Correspondence to Claudia Berek.

Additional information

Communicated by A.N. Mitchison.

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Schröder, A.E., Sieper, J. & Berek, C. Antigen-Dependent B Cell Differentiation in the Synovial Tissue of a Patient with Reactive Arthritis. Mol Med 3, 260–272 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03401679

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