B cells expressing CD11b effectively inhibit CD4+T-cell responses and ameliorate experimental autoimmune hepatitis in mice

Increasing evidence in recent years has suggested that B cells act as a crucial regulator in autoimmune diseases. However, little is known about their role in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we show that B cells ameliorated experimental AIH (EAH) by suppressing CD4(+) T-cell responses and that CD11b expression on B cells was required for the regulatory function of B cells. In vitro studies reveal that the suppressive function of CD11b was mediated by the impairment of T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling transduction and the promotion of TCR down-regulation. Moreover, we show that the increased CD11b expression on B cells was interleukin (IL)-10 dependent and that additional IL-10 stimulation promoted CD11b expression on B cells, thereby enhancing B-cell regulatory effects. Conclusion: These findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for CD11b in B-cell regulatory function and its protective effect on EAH. (Hepatology 2015;62:1563-1575)