Regulatory B cells have been identified as an IL10 producing B cells subsets that are characterized by the expression of CD19 CD24hiCD38hi . Breg cells can inhibit inflammatory responses in autoimmune disease, like Systemic lupus erythematosus, via the production of IL-10 (an antiatherogenic cytokine) which will suppress TNF- α production by monocytes leading to inhibition of T cell-mediated inflammation. Regulatory B have a vital role in immune tolerance and their deficiency resulted in exacerbation of autoimmunity . Evidence suggests Breg in autoimmune disease may be dysfunctional .
In this proposal, We suggest IL-10 production by Breg confers an atheroprotective role. In Systemic lupus erythematosus, Regulatory B ability to control atherosclerosis is reduced therefore, we will test the hypothesis that Regulatory B play an important role in both autoimmunity and accelerated atherosclerosis and dysfunction in Regulatory B from autoimmune disease may or may not result in a reduced ability to control atherosclerosis .
