Interleukin-6 Signaling Blockade Induces Regulatory Plasmablasts in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Ritsu Akatani, Norio Chihara, Atsushi Hara, Asato Tsuji, Shusuke Koto, Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Tatsushi Toda, Riki Matsumoto
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Interleukin-6 receptor antibodies (IL-6R Abs), including satralizumab, are increasingly used to prevent relapse for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, the detailed mechanism of action of this treatment on the lymphocyte phenotype remains unclear. This study focused on B cells in patients with NMOSD, hypothesizing that IL-6R Ab enables B cells to acquire regulatory functions by producing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. METHODS: ). Whole B cells, DNs, or PBs were isolated after culture with IL-6R Ab, and IL-10 expression was quantified using quantitative PCR and a cytometric bead array. RNA sequencing was performed to identify the marker of regulatory PBs induced by IL-6R Ab. RESULTS: PBs than patients during the acute attacks. DISCUSSION: PBs may be a marker of treatment responsiveness in the context of NMOSD pathophysiology.