Abstract
AimsOption to attenuate atherosclerosis by depleting B2 cells is currently limited to anti-CD20 antibodies which deplete all B-cell subtypes. In the present study we evaluated the capacity of a monoclonal antibody to B cell activating factor-receptor (BAFFR) to selectively deplete atherogenic B2 cells to prevent both development and progression of atherosclerosis in the ApoE−/− mouse.Methods and ResultsTo determine whether the BAFFR antibody prevents atherosclerosis development, we treated ApoE−/− mice with the antibody while feeding them a high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. Mature CD93− CD19+ B2 cells were reduced by treatment, spleen B-cell zones disrupted and spleen CD20 mRNA expression decreased while B1a cells and non-B cells were spared. Atherosclerosis was ameliorated in the hyperlipidemic mice and CD19+ B cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were reduced in atherosclerotic lesions. Expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, IL1β, TNFα, and IFNγ in the lesions were also reduced, while MCP1, MIF and VCAM-1 expressions were unaffected. Plasma immunoglobulins were reduced, but MDA-oxLDL specific antibodies were unaffected. To determine whether anti-BAFFR antibody ameliorates progression of atherosclerosis, we first fed ApoE−/− mice a HFD for 6 weeks, and then instigated anti-BAFFR antibody treatment for a further 6 week-HFD. CD93− CD19+ B2 cells were selectively decreased and atherosclerotic lesions were reduced by this treatment.ConclusionAnti-BAFFR monoclonal antibody selectively depletes mature B2 cells while sparing B1a cells, disrupts spleen B-cell zones and ameliorates atherosclerosis development and progression in hyperlipidemic ApoE−/− mice. Our findings have potential for clinical translation to manage atherosclerosis-based cardiovascular diseases.
Highlights
Atherosclerosis-based heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of global deaths [1]
We have previously reported that B cell depletion by an antiCD20 monoclonal antibody potently reduces atherosclerotic lesions
The report that a single injection of BAFFR monoclonal antibody that prevents BAFF binding drastically reduced mature B cells without affecting B1a cells [19] prompted us to explore the therapeutic potential of this monoclonal antibody to BAFFR to attenuate atherosclerosis in the hyperlipidemic ApoE2/2 mouse. Using this approach we found that anti-BAFFR monoclonal antibody prevented atherosclerosis development and ameliorated the progression of established atherosclerosis
Summary
Atherosclerosis-based heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of global deaths [1]. We have previously reported that B cell depletion by an antiCD20 monoclonal antibody potently reduces atherosclerotic lesions. The treatment ameliorates atherosclerosis development but is effective in reducing established atherosclerotic lesions in hyperlipidemic ApoE2/2 mice [3]. The capacity of B cell depletion by an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody to ameliorate atherosclerosis was independently reported by Ait-Oufella et al in LDLR2/2 mice [4]. These findings are consistent with the amelioration of mouse and human autoimmune diseases by B cell depletion therapy with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody [5,6]. The strategy of B cell depletion with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody is currently successfully used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis [7] and being increasing explored for the treatment of other human autoimmune diseases [8,9]
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