Decreased number of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi regulatory B cells in Diabetic nephropathy

Abstract

Background: Regulatory B cells participate in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. This study aimed to examine the putative contribution of regulatory B cells to the pathogenesis of DN. The number of circulating CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells, CD19+CD24hiCD38hiCD5+ B cells, and CD19+CD24hiCD38hiIL-10+ B cells were significantly lower in DN patients (p < 0.05) than the control group. The number of circulating CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells was positively correlated with the levels of eGFR and serum IL-10 levels, but negatively correlated with urinary protein levels in DN patients. Treatment significantly increased the number of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells, CD19+CD24hiCD38hiCD5+ B cells, CD19+CD24hiCD38hiIL-10+ B cells, and the levels of serum IL-10 (p < 0.05). We conclude that regulatory B cells may present new targets for intervention of DN.