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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | Research article

B lymphocyte stimulator modulates number and function of endothelial progenitor cells in systemic lupus erythematosus

Authors: Francesca Romana Spinelli, Cristiana Barbati, Fulvia Cecarelli, Francesca Morello, Tania Colasanti, Marta Vomero, Laura Massaro, Valeria Orefice, Cristiano Alessandri, Guido Valesini, Fabrizio Conti

Published in: Arthritis Research & Therapy | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are biologic markers of endothelial function. In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the numerical reduction and functional impairment of EPCs contribute to the endothelial dysfunction.

Through ex vivo and in vitro studies, we aimed at evaluating the effects of B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) on EPC colonies and endothelial cells and also investigating BLyS receptor expression on these cells.

Methods

EPCs were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In order to evaluate their ability to form colonies, EPCs were cultured on fibronectin-coated dishes and incubated with BlyS alone or BlyS and belimumab. Apoptosis of EPCs and endothelial cell line EA.hy926 was evaluated after 6, 12, and 24 h of incubation with BLyS and after 6 h with BLyS and belimumab. The expression of B cell activating factor-receptor (BAFF-R), B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), and transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand (CAML) interactor (TACI) on EPCs and EA.hy926 was analyzed by cytofluorimetry.

Results

The number of EPC colonies was lower in patients than in controls. Moreover, the colonies from SLE patients were poorly organized compared to controls; the addition of belimumab restored the colony structure. Incubation with BLyS induced apoptosis of EPCs and EA.hy926 that was inhibited by the co-incubation with belimumab. BAFF-R and BCMA were expressed on both EPCs and EA.hy926, while TACI was expressed only on EPCs.

Conclusions

EPCs and endothelial cells preferentially express BAFF-R which could be involved in the pro-apoptotic effect of BlyS. Belimumab administration seems to restore the quantitative and qualitative changes of EPC colonies both ex vivo and in vitro.

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Title: B lymphocyte stimulator modulates number and function of endothelial progenitor cells in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Francesca Romana Spinelli
Cristiana Barbati
Fulvia Cecarelli
Francesca Morello
Tania Colasanti
Marta Vomero
Laura Massaro
Valeria Orefice
Cristiano Alessandri
Guido Valesini
Fabrizio Conti
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Arterial Occlusive Disease
Published in: Arthritis Research & Therapy / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1478-6362
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-019-2015-7

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