A novel proangiogenic B cell subset is increased in cancer and chronic inflammation

Publication

A novel proangiogenic B cell subset is increased in cancer and chronic inflammation

Journal Paper/Review - May 13, 2020

van de Veen Willem, Huntjens Daan, Wallimann Alexandra, Fonseca Guevara Rodney J, Spits Hergen, Desislava Ignatova, Chang Yun-Tsan, Fassnacht Christina, Guenova Emmanuella, Flatz Lukas, Akdis Cezmi A, van Splunter Marloes, Stanić Barbara, Herrmann Marietta, Globinska Anna, Jansen Kirstin, Straumann Alex, Kubo Terufumi, Verschoor Daniëlle, Wirz Oliver F, Castro-Giner Francesc, Tan Ge, Rückert Beate, Ochsner Urs, Akdis Mübeccel

Citation

van de Veen W, Huntjens D, Wallimann A, Fonseca Guevara R, Spits H, Desislava I, Chang Y, Fassnacht C, Guenova E, Flatz L, Akdis C, van Splunter M, Stanić B, Herrmann M, Globinska A, Jansen K, Straumann A, Kubo T, Verschoor D, Wirz O, Castro-Giner F, Tan G, Rückert B, Ochsner U, Akdis M. A novel proangiogenic B cell subset is increased in cancer and chronic inflammation. Sci Adv 2020; 6:eaaz3559.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Sci Adv 2020; 6

Publication Date

May 13, 2020

Issn Electronic

2375-2548

Pages

eaaz3559

Brief description/objective

B cells contribute to immune responses through the production of immunoglobulins, antigen presentation, and cytokine production. Several B cell subsets with distinct functions and polarized cytokine profiles have been reported. In this study, we used transcriptomics analysis of immortalized B cell clones to identify an IgG4 B cell subset with a unique function. These B cells are characterized by simultaneous expression of proangiogenic cytokines including VEGF, CYR61, ADM, FGF2, PDGFA, and MDK. Consequently, supernatants from these clones efficiently promote endothelial cell tube formation. We identified CD49b and CD73 as surface markers identifying proangiogenic B cells. Circulating CD49bCD73 B cells showed significantly increased frequency in patients with melanoma and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), two diseases associated with angiogenesis. In addition, tissue-infiltrating IgG4CD49bCD73 B cells expressing proangiogenic cytokines were detected in patients with EoE and melanoma. Our results demonstrate a previously unidentified proangiogenic B cell subset characterized by expression of CD49b, CD73, and proangiogenic cytokines.