Disruption of HBV immune tolerance in mice using CD20 monoclonal antibody: investigating the role of regulatory B cells in hepatitis B

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To study the role of Regulatory B cells(Bregs) in the Pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B by Rituximab destroying the immunological tolerance state of HBV infection in mice. Methods In a mouse model of chronic HBV infection, the dynamics of Bregs populations were monitored using Flow cytometry. Additionally, serum IL-10 levels, liver function, and coagulation parameters were assessed. The correlation between Bregs, IL-10, and liver function was further analyzed. Results In mice treated with Rituximab, the percentage of Bregs was significantly reduced in the liver, spleen and peripheral blood compared to untreated mice [0.54(0.49,0.71)% vs 1.34(1.15,1.54)%;3.19(2.90,3.57)% vs 4.75(3.92,5.32)%;2.50(2.29,2.64)% vs 3.35(3.07,3.58)%; all P<0.05]. Serum IL-10 levels in Rituximab-treated mice were also significantly decreased[21.51(14.70,28.28)pg/ml vs 32.87(27.76,35.82)pg/mL,P<0.05]. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between changes in precentages of Bregs and IL-10 levels in the experimental group(r=0.73,P<0.05;r=0.74,P<0.05;r=0.71,P<0.05). In the experimental group, elevated ALT and AST levels wereobserved compared to the control group, and these increases were inversely correlated with IL-10 levels. Conclusion Bregs play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B and suppress inflammatory activity by secreting IL-10.

Key words: Regulatory B cells, Interleukin-10, Chronic hepatitis B

LIU Zhong-tian, ZHANG Jia-jing, LIN Tao-fa, SHU Dan, WANG Shao-yang. Disruption of HBV immune tolerance in mice using CD20 monoclonal antibody: investigating the role of regulatory B cells in hepatitis B[J]. Chinese Hepatolgy, 2023, 28(10): 1212-1214.

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