Journal of Capital Medical University ›› 2017, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (5): 640-644.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-7795.2017.05.002

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Dichotomous effect of BAFF:inducing IL-35 production by regulatory T cells

Zhang Yamin, Wang Ruiyun, Li Jun, Tao Juan, Tu Yating   

  1. Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology(HUST), Wuhan 430022, China
  • Received:2017-05-09 Online:2017-09-21 Published:2017-10-18
  • Supported by:
    This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (81573047, 81602760).

Abstract: Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether B cell activation factor of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family (BAFF) has an effect on the production of interleukin-35 (IL-35) by regulatory T cells (Tregs), further identifying the dichotomous regulator of BAFF on immune responses in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Splenic CD4+ CD25+ T cells were sorted by magnetic isolation and stimulated with BAFF. The production of IL-35 was determined by flow cytometry and quantitative RT-PCR. Furthermore, the frequency of IL-35 producing Tregs in spleen from wild-type (WT) controls, MRL-Faslpr/lpr mice and anti-BAFF protein treated MRL-Faslpr/lpr mice was also analyzed by flow cytometry. Results We found that BAFF could promote Tregs to produce IL-35 in vitro. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the frequency of IL-35 producing Tregs was much higher in spleen of MRL-Faslpr/lpr mice which have increased serum level of BAFF compared with those in WT controls. Whereas anti-BAFF treatment weakened this effect. Conclusion In the pathogenesis of SLE, BAFF is not only a key pathogenic factor but also has immunosuppressive effect by promoting Tregs to produce IL-35.

Key words: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), B cell activation factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF), regulatory T cells, interleukin-35 (IL-35)

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