Cell Reports (May 2022)

Dynamic spectrum of ectopic lymphoid B cell activation and hypermutation in the RA synovium characterized by NR4A nuclear receptor expression

  • Nida Meednu,
  • Javier Rangel-Moreno,
  • Fan Zhang,
  • Katherine Escalera-Rivera,
  • Elisa Corsiero,
  • Edoardo Prediletto,
  • Edward DiCarlo,
  • Susan Goodman,
  • Laura T. Donlin,
  • Soumya Raychauduri,
  • Michele Bombardieri,
  • Costantino Pitzalis,
  • Dana E. Orange,
  • Andrew McDavid,
  • Jennifer H. Anolik

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 39, no. 5
p. 110766

Abstract

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Summary: Ectopic lymphoid structures (ELS) can develop in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue, but the precise pathways of B cell activation and selection are not well understood. Here, we identify a synovial B cell population characterized by co-expression of a family of orphan nuclear receptors (NR4A1-3), which is highly enriched in RA synovial tissue. A transcriptomic profile of NR4A synovial B cells significantly overlaps with germinal center light zone B cells and an accrual of somatic hypermutation that correlates with loss of naive B cell state. NR4A B cells co-express lymphotoxins α and β and IL-6, supporting functions in ELS promotion. Expanded and shared clones between synovial NR4A B cells and plasma cells and the rapid upregulation with BCR stimulation point to in situ differentiation. Together, we identify a dynamic progression of B cell activation in RA synovial ELS, with NR4A transcription factors having an important role in local adaptive immune responses.

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