148 Decreased IL-10 producing regulatory B cells in patients with alopecia areata

Regulatory B cells (Bregs) have been considered negative regulators of immune response, by inhibiting anti-inflammatory cytokines and upregulating regulatory T (Tregs). Among several B-cell subsets, IL-10 producing Bregs regulate effector T-cell responses, inhibit Th1 Th17 cell differentiation, convert cells, including CD4 CD8, into Tregs. Recent evidence suggests the protective role in T-cell-mediated diseases lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis. However, regulation alopecia areata (AA) involving hair follicles, has not established yet. we investigated subsets peripheral blood from 17 AA age- sex-matched 8 healthy volunteers (HV). The frequency CD19+CD24hiCD38hi, CD19+CD38intCD24int, CD19+CD24-CD38+, immature was examined after stimulation CPG using flow cytometry. association between clinical characteristics also analyzed. total CD19+CD24hiCD38hi patients significantly decreased compared with those HV (P<0.001). CD19+CD24+CD38-, CD19+CD38intCD24int CD19+CD24-CD38+populations were different two groups. Breg deficiency may exert a regulator that counteracts driven autoimmune response AA, collapse follicle-immune privilege upregulation Th1- or Th17- such as IFN-γ TNF-α. In conclusion, possible connection open up novel therapeutic targets for AA.