Role of transcription factor ETS-1 and B cell in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

To explore the effects of transcription factor ETS-1 mRNA and B lymphocyte-associated cytokines on the differentiation of B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and explore its pathogenic and clinical significance. Thirty-one SLE patients (20 active and 11 inactive) and 15 healthy controls were enrolled. CD19+ B cells were isolated with magnetic beads. The levels of ETS-1 mRNA in B cells were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Flow cytometry was used to detect the altered ratio of CD19-CD138 + plasma cells and CD19 + B cells. And enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the serum levels of B cell differentiation-related cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) and APRIL. Compared to the healthy controls, SLE patients showed decreased mRNA expression level of ETS-1 in B cells (Z = -4.218, P < 0.01) . Moreover, the expression level of ETS-1 mRNA was significantly negatively correlated with the proportion of CD19-CD138+ plasma cells (r = -0.359, P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the CD19-CD138 +B cells/CD19+ plasma cells ratio (r = -0.493, P < 0.01) . However, there was no correlation in normal controls. Significant negative correlation existed between the expression level of ETS-1 mRNA in B cells and the serum levels of IL-10 and APRIL in active SLE patients. But no correlation existed in inactive group. ETS-1 may participate in the pathogenesis of SLE through its effects on the differentiation of B cells and cooperation with IL-10 and APRIL.