Transcriptional meta-analysis of regulatory B cells

Abstract

Regulatory B cells (Bregs) have the ability to regulate inflammation in various pathological situations, making them key players in immune regulation. Several mechanisms have been described and we recently identified a GZMB expressing Breg population in kidney transplanted patients who tolerate a kidney graft. To further investigate their biology and mechanisms, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis by RNAseq of these cells and we performed the first weighted meta-analysis of publicly available transcriptomic data from published Breg studies both in humans and mice. We identified two distinct and unique transcriptional signatures of 126 and 93 genes, respectively, associated with these Bregs. While we highlighted genes coding for proteins with potent involvement in regulatory functions, proliferation, and coding for transcription factors, the comparison between humans and mice did not allow identifying a common pattern. Thus, our results suggest distinct species-restricted Breg transcriptional signatures in humans and mice.