Multiparameter analysis of human B lymphocytes identifies heterogeneous CD19+CD21lo subsets. Issue 4 (6th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilfong, Erin M.; Vowell, Katherine N.; Crofford, Leslie J.; Kendall, Peggy L.
• Is Part Of: Cytometry. Volume 103:Issue 4(2023)
• Page Start: 283
• Page End: 294
• Publication Date: 2022-11-06
• Subjects: autoreactive B cells -- CD21lo B cells -- flow cytometry -- systemic sclerosis; Flow cytometry -- Periodicals; Imaging systems in biology -- Periodicals; Imaging systems in medicine -- Periodicals; Diagnostic imaging -- Periodicals; 571.605
• DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24699
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-4922

Abstract

Abstract: Autoreactive B cell subsets have been described in a variety of settings, using multiple classification schemes and cell surface markers also found on healthy cells. CD19 + CD21 lo B cells have been identified as an autoreactive‐prone subset of B cells, although the downregulation of CD21 has been observed on a variety of B cell subsets in health and disease. This variation has led to confusion regarding the meaning and applicability of the loss or reduction of CD21 in peripheral B cells. To better understand the relationships between commonly used B cell markers and their associated characteristics, we analyzed human B cells from healthy participants using multiparameter flow cytometry and the visualization algorithm, tSNE. This approach revealed significant phenotypic overlap amongst five previously described autoimmune‐prone B cell subsets, including CD19 + CD10 − CD27 − CD21 lo B cells. Interestingly, 12 different subpopulations of CD19 + CD21 lo B cells were identified, some of which mapped to previously described autoreactive populations, while others were consistent with healthy B cells. This suggests that CD21 is downregulated in a variety of circumstances involving B cell activation, all of which are present in low numbers even in healthy individuals. These findings describe the utility of unbiased multiparameter analysis using a relatively limited panel of flow cytometry markers to analyze autoreactive‐prone and normal activated B cells.