IL-7 receptor α expressing B cells act proinflammatory in collagen-induced arthritis and are inhibited by sympathetic neurotransmitters

Objectives The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) as well as the interleukin (IL)-7/IL-7 receptor (IL-7R) system play a role in the pathogenesis of arthritis. However, the target cells and mechanisms involved are not fully resolved. The goal of this study was to determine if B cells are influenced by IL-7 and to investigate the possible interplay between the SNS and the IL-7/IL-7R system on B cells in arthritis. Methods Collagen type II-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA1 mice. ELISA to determine specific anti-CII antibodies. Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis to determine IL-7R+ cells and intracellular phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (pSTAT5). Immunohistochemistry to show IL-7R+ B cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) synovial tissue. Results IL-7 stimulated IL-7R+ mature B cells act proinflammatory (increased clinical score, increased anticollagen type II antibodies) after cell transfer in CIA. The sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine abrogates this effect. Expression of IL-7R is increased when B cells are activated (anti-CD40 or lipopolysaccharide) in vitro and stimulating the IL-7R induces intracellular accumulation of pSTAT5. - And -adrenergic agonists show no influence on expression levels of IL-7R on activated B cells; however, intracellular IL-7R downstream signalling is abrogated via the 2-adreonceptor (2AR) agonist terbutaline. IL-7R and 2AR are also expressed on B cells in synovial tissue from RA and OA patients. Conclusions These data indicate that IL7R+ B cells have a proinflammatory role in arthritis which can be inhibited by the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine via inhibition of IL-7R signalling.