Oxidative phosphorylation regulates B cell effector cytokines and promotes inflammation in multiple sclerosis

Sci Immunol. 2024 May 3;9(95):eadk0865. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adk0865. Epub 2024 May 3.

Abstract

Dysregulated B cell cytokine production contributes to pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS); however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study we investigated how cytokine secretion by pro-inflammatory (GM-CSF-expressing) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10-expressing) B cells is regulated. Pro-inflammatory human B cells required increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) compared with anti-inflammatory B cells. OXPHOS reciprocally modulated pro- and anti-inflammatory B cell cytokines through regulation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) signaling. Partial inhibition of OXPHOS or ATP-signaling including with BTK inhibition resulted in an anti-inflammatory B cell cytokine shift, reversed the B cell cytokine imbalance in patients with MS, and ameliorated neuroinflammation in a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalitis mouse model. Our study identifies how pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are metabolically regulated in B cells and identifies ATP and its metabolites as a "fourth signal" that shapes B cell responses and is a potential target for restoring the B cell cytokine balance in autoimmune diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes* / immunology
  • Cytokines* / immunology
  • Cytokines* / metabolism
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental* / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation* / immunology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / immunology
  • Oxidative Phosphorylation*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Adenosine Triphosphate