Basophils and the T helper 2 environment can promote the development of lupus nephritis.
In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), self-reactive antibodies can target the kidney (lupus nephritis), leading to functional failure and possible mortality. We report that activation of basophils by autoreactive IgE causes their homing to lymph nodes, promoting T helper type 2 (T(H)2) cell differentiation and enhancing the production of self-reactive antibodies that cause lupus-like nephritis in mice lacking the Src family protein tyrosine kinase Lyn (Lyn(-/-) mice). Individuals with SLE also have elevated serum IgE, self-reactive IgEs and activated basophils that express CD62 ligand (CD62L) and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecule human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR), parameters that are associated with increased disease activity and active lupus nephritis. Basophils were also present in the lymph nodes and spleen of subjects with SLE. Thus, in Lyn(-/-) mice, basophils and IgE autoantibodies amplify autoantibody production that leads to lupus nephritis, and in individuals with SLE IgE autoantibodies and activated basophils are factors associated with disease activity and nephritis.
Charles
Nicolas
N
Laboratory of Molecular Immunogenetics, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Hardwick
Donna
D
Daugas
Eric
E
Illei
Gabor G
GG
Rivera
Juan
J
D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D001491:Basophils / Q000276:immunology*; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000276:immunology; D019041:L-Selectin / Q000276:immunology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D019061:src-Family Kinases / Q000276:immunology
D001323:Autoantibodies; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D019041:L-Selectin; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; C060902:lyn protein-tyrosine kinase; D019061:src-Family Kinases