The expression of CD22 and CD72 on B cells negatively correlate with IgE level in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Abstract

Abstract Background CD22 and CD72 have been demonstrated to act as B cell inhibitory receptors, which suppress B cells activation. However, the roles of CD22 and CD72 on B cells in nasal polyps (NPs) are largely unknown. Objective To explore the expression of CD22 and CD72 on B cells and the association with immunoglobulins (Igs) in NPs. Methods The expression levels of CD22 and CD72 was measured by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Igs levels in NPs were quantified by Bio-Plex assay or the UniCAP system. Computed tomography scan and symptom severity were graded. Results The mRNA expression of CD22 and CD72 were elevated in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (Eos CRSwNP) patients compared with non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (non-Eos CRSwNP) and controls. CD22 and CD72 were mainly expressed on CD19+ B cells. The numbers of CD22+ and CD72+ B cells and the percentage of CD22+ B cells and CD72+ B cells in B cells were increased in Eos CRSwNP compared with non-Eos CRSwNP and controls. IgA, IgG and IgM were elevated in both Eos CRSwNP and non-Eos CRSwNP, while IgD and IgE were increased in Eos CRSwNP. CD22 mRNA and CD72 mRNA expression level were negatively correlated with IgE, but not IgA, IgG, IgM and IgD in Eos CRSwNP. The percentage of CD22+ B cells and CD72+ B cells in B cells negatively correlate with the total visual analog scale symptom scores and total endoscope scores. Conclusion CD22 and CD72 were significantly increased in Eos CRSwNP patients and negatively correlated with IgE level, indicating the down-regulation role of CD22 and CD72 in B cell activation and a suppressive role in the synthesis of IgE in Eos CRSwNP.