Metformin Suppresses Systemic Autoimmunity in Roquinsan/san Mice through Inhibiting B Cell Differentiation into Plasma Cells via Regulation of AMPK/mTOR/STAT3

Circulating autoantibodies and immune complex deposition are pathological hallmarks of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). B cell differentiation into plasma cells (PCs) and some T cell subsets that function as B cell helpers can be therapeutic targets of SLE. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)...

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Published in:The Journal of immunology (1950) 2017-04, Vol.198 (7), p.2661-2670
Main Authors: Lee, Seon-Yeong, Moon, Su-Jin, Kim, Eun-Kyung, Seo, Hyeon-Beom, Yang, Eun-Ji, Son, Hye-Jin, Kim, Jae-Kyung, Min, Jun-Ki, Park, Sung-Hwan, Cho, Mi-La
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal tissues
Anti-DNA antibodies
Antidiabetics
Autoantibodies
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmunity
CD4 antigen
Cell differentiation
Follicles
Germinal centers
Helper cells
Immune Regulation
Immunoregulation
Kidneys
Liver
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes B
Lymphocytes T
Metformin
Oral administration
p53 Protein
Plasma cells
Rapamycin
Serum levels
Spleen
Stat3 protein
Systemic lupus erythematosus
TOR protein
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Summary:Circulating autoantibodies and immune complex deposition are pathological hallmarks of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). B cell differentiation into plasma cells (PCs) and some T cell subsets that function as B cell helpers can be therapeutic targets of SLE. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is implicated in the formation of B cells and germinal centers (GCs). We assessed the effect of metformin, which inhibits mTOR, on the development of autoimmunity using Roquinsan/san mice. Oral administration of metformin inhibited the formation of splenic follicles and inflammation in kidney and liver tissues. It also decreased serum levels of anti-dsDNA Abs without affecting serum glucose levels. Moreover, metformin inhibited CD21highCD23low marginal zone B cells, B220+GL7+ GC B cells, B220−CD138+ PCs, and GC formation. A significant reduction in ICOS+ follicular helper T cells was found in the spleens of the metformin-treated group compared with the vehicle-treated group. In addition, metformin inhibited Th17 cells and induced regulatory T cells. These alterations in B and T cell subsets by metformin were associated with enhanced AMPK expression and inhibition of mTOR–STAT3 signaling. Furthermore, metformin induced p53 and NF erythroid-2–related factor-2 activity in splenic CD4+ T cells. Taken together, metformin-induced alterations in AMPK–mTOR–STAT3 signaling may have therapeutic value in SLE by inhibiting B cell differentiation into PCs and GCs.
ISSN:0022-1767
1550-6606
DOI:10.4049/jimmunol.1403088