2023
Individual myasthenia gravis autoantibody clones can efficiently mediate multiple mechanisms of pathology
Pham M, Masi G, Patzina R, Obaid A, Oxendine S, Oh S, Payne A, Nowak R, O’Connor K. Individual myasthenia gravis autoantibody clones can efficiently mediate multiple mechanisms of pathology. Acta Neuropathologica 2023, 146: 319-336. PMID: 37344701, PMCID: PMC11380498, DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02603-y.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMyasthenia gravisAntigenic modulationPathogenic mechanismsAutoimmune myasthenia gravisCurrent therapeutic approachesΑ-bungarotoxin bindingNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsReceptor blockadeSerum autoantibodiesAutoreactive clonesMonoclonal levelTherapeutic approachesMonoclonal autoantibodiesAcetylcholine receptorsComplement activationAutoantibodiesAChR subunitsJurkat cell lineDistinct molecular mechanismsPathogenic profilePathogenic capacityPathologyCell-based assaysMAbsPatientsPlasmablasts from the past: Nostalgic B cells can't let go.
Ohashi S, O'Connor K. Plasmablasts from the past: Nostalgic B cells can't let go. Science Immunology 2023, 8: eadh3115. PMID: 36867677, DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adh3115.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2020
CD4+ follicular regulatory T cells optimize the influenza virus–specific B cell response
Lu Y, Jiang R, Freyn AW, Wang J, Strohmeier S, Lederer K, Locci M, Zhao H, Angeletti D, O’Connor K, Kleinstein SH, Nachbagauer R, Craft J. CD4+ follicular regulatory T cells optimize the influenza virus–specific B cell response. Journal Of Experimental Medicine 2020, 218: e20200547. PMID: 33326020, PMCID: PMC7748821, DOI: 10.1084/jem.20200547.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAntibody FormationAntigensB-LymphocytesCD4 AntigensDisease Models, AnimalEpitopesForkhead Transcription FactorsGerminal CenterHumansImmunityImmunologic MemoryInfluenza, HumanInfluenzavirus BIntegrasesMice, Inbred C57BLOrthomyxoviridae InfectionsReceptors, Antigen, B-CellSpecies SpecificityT-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryVaccinationConceptsB cell responsesGerminal center B cell responsesFollicular regulatory T cellsRegulatory T cellsTfr cellsCell responsesT cellsViral challengeHumoral memoryVirus-specific B cell responsesAntigen-specific B cell responsesFollicular helper T cellsHA stalk regionHelper T cellsInfluenza virus infectionGerminal center developmentAntibody responsePlasma cellsVirus infectionImmunization modelAntibody productionBCR repertoireInfluenza virusRepeated exposureInfluenza virus glycoproteinsThe B cell immunobiology that underlies CNS autoantibody-mediated diseases
Sun B, Ramberger M, O’Connor K, Bashford-Rogers RJM, Irani SR. The B cell immunobiology that underlies CNS autoantibody-mediated diseases. Nature Reviews Neurology 2020, 16: 481-492. PMID: 32724223, PMCID: PMC9364389, DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0381-z.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAutoantibodiesAutoantigensAutoimmune DiseasesB-LymphocytesCentral Nervous System DiseasesHumansImmunotherapyConceptsAutoantigen-specific B cellsB cellsPathogenic autoantibodiesB cell tolerance checkpointsAutoantibody-mediated diseasesB cell immunobiologyLong-term morbidityHigher serum levelsCirculation of patientsSource of autoantibodiesSite of pathologyB-cell lineageClinical relapseAvailable medicationsSerum levelsIntrathecal synthesisCNS diseaseTolerance checkpointsPlasma cellsTherapeutic effectCerebrospinal fluidGerminal centersAutoantibodiesDiseasePatientsAutoimmune Pathology in Myasthenia Gravis Disease Subtypes Is Governed by Divergent Mechanisms of Immunopathology
Fichtner ML, Jiang R, Bourke A, Nowak RJ, O’Connor K. Autoimmune Pathology in Myasthenia Gravis Disease Subtypes Is Governed by Divergent Mechanisms of Immunopathology. Frontiers In Immunology 2020, 11: 776. PMID: 32547535, PMCID: PMC7274207, DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00776.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLipoprotein receptor-related protein 4Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathyMuSK myasthenia gravisMyasthenia gravisDisease subtypesPathogenic autoantibodiesNeuromyelitis opticaPemphigus vulgarisFab-arm exchangeNeuromuscular junctionAChR myasthenia gravisDistinct immune mechanismsInflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathyAutoimmune myasthenia gravisContribution of complementMuscle-specific kinaseNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsSubtype of diseaseDemyelinating polyneuropathyMG subtypesMG patientsAutoantibody productionClinical benefitAutoimmune diseasesAutoimmune pathology
2019
Early B cell tolerance defects in neuromyelitis optica favour anti-AQP4 autoantibody production
Cotzomi E, Stathopoulos P, Lee CS, Ritchie AM, Soltys JN, Delmotte FR, Oe T, Sng J, Jiang R, K A, Vander Heiden JA, Kleinstein SH, Levy M, Bennett JL, Meffre E, O’Connor K. Early B cell tolerance defects in neuromyelitis optica favour anti-AQP4 autoantibody production. Brain 2019, 142: 1598-1615. PMID: 31056665, PMCID: PMC6536857, DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz106.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAquaporin 4AutoantibodiesB-LymphocytesFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedNeuromyelitis OpticaOptic NerveConceptsNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorderB cell tolerance checkpointsNMOSD patientsNaïve B cellsAQP4 autoantibodiesTolerance checkpointsHealthy donorsB cellsEarly B cell tolerance checkpointsPeripheral B cell tolerance checkpointsMature naïve B cellsB cell tolerance defectsSeropositive NMOSD patientsOptica spectrum disorderRare autoimmune disorderNaïve B-cell compartmentB cell compartmentB cell populationsAquaporin-4 water channelsPathogenic autoantibodiesAutoantibody productionOptic nerveAutoimmune disordersSevere inflammationSpinal cordAutoantibodies against Neurologic Antigens in Nonneurologic Autoimmunity
Stathopoulos P, Chastre A, Waters P, Irani S, Fichtner ML, Benotti ES, Guthridge JM, Seifert J, Nowak RJ, Buckner JH, Holers VM, James JA, Hafler DA, O’Connor K. Autoantibodies against Neurologic Antigens in Nonneurologic Autoimmunity. The Journal Of Immunology 2019, 202: ji1801295. PMID: 30824481, PMCID: PMC6452031, DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801295.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSystemic lupus erythematosusRheumatoid arthritisControl cohortNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorderSurface AgOptica spectrum disorderMyelin oligodendrocyte glycoproteinHealthy donor seraType 1 diabetesB cell toleranceNeurologic autoimmunitySLE patientsLupus erythematosusSuch autoantibodiesT1D patientsAutoimmune diseasesHigh titer AbsOligodendrocyte glycoproteinSystemic autoimmunityDonor seraLarge cohortRare caseAutoantibodiesAquaporin-4Cell tolerance
2017
B cells in the pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis
Yi JS, Guptill JT, Stathopoulos P, Nowak RJ, O’Connor K. B cells in the pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis. Muscle & Nerve 2017, 57: 172-184. PMID: 28940642, PMCID: PMC5767142, DOI: 10.1002/mus.25973.Peer-Reviewed Reviews, Practice Guidelines, Standards, and Consensus StatementsConceptsMyasthenia gravisB cellsMuscle-specific tyrosine kinaseArchetypal autoimmune diseaseMuscle end platesProduction of autoantibodiesMost patientsPathogenic autoantibodiesAutoimmune diseasesAdaptive immunityHuman studiesAcetylcholine receptorsFunctional AChRsNeuromuscular junctionPostsynaptic proteinsAutoantibodiesCellular immunologyMolecular immunologyGravisImmunopathologyPathologyAChRImmunologyTyrosine kinaseEnd platesAutoantibody-producing plasmablasts after B cell depletion identified in muscle-specific kinase myasthenia gravis
Stathopoulos P, Kumar A, Nowak RJ, O’Connor K. Autoantibody-producing plasmablasts after B cell depletion identified in muscle-specific kinase myasthenia gravis. JCI Insight 2017, 2: e94263. PMID: 28878127, PMCID: PMC5621905, DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.94263.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAgedAged, 80 and overAnimalsAutoantibodiesB-LymphocytesCohort StudiesFemaleHumansImmunologic FactorsLymphocyte DepletionMaleMiceMiddle AgedMyasthenia GravisReceptor Protein-Tyrosine KinasesReceptors, CholinergicRecurrenceRemission InductionRituximabTumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7ConceptsB-cell depletionMuSK-MG patientsMyasthenia gravisCell depletionMG patientsAutoantibody productionDisease relapseB cellsB-cell-mediated autoimmune disordersMuscle-specific kinase myasthenia gravisAntigen-driven affinity maturationCell-mediated autoimmune disordersMuscle-specific tyrosine kinaseAChR myasthenia gravisAutoantibody-producing plasmablastsMuSK myasthenia gravisRituximab-induced remissionSustained clinical improvementB cell compartmentMuSK autoantibodiesClinical improvementPathogenic autoantibodiesSuch relapsesSerum autoantibodiesClinical features
2013
Specific peripheral B cell tolerance defects in patients with multiple sclerosis
Kinnunen T, Chamberlain N, Morbach H, Cantaert T, Lynch M, Preston-Hurlburt P, Herold KC, Hafler DA, O’Connor K, Meffre E. Specific peripheral B cell tolerance defects in patients with multiple sclerosis. Journal Of Clinical Investigation 2013, 123: 2737-2741. PMID: 23676463, PMCID: PMC3668812, DOI: 10.1172/jci68775.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsB cell tolerance checkpointsB cell tolerance defectsMultiple sclerosisRheumatoid arthritisTolerance checkpointsB cellsPeripheral B cell tolerance checkpointsTolerance defectsAutoreactive B cell clonesMature naive B cellsType 1 diabetesAutoreactive B cellsB cell toleranceCentral nervous systemNaive B cellsB cell clonesB cell selectionEarly B cell developmentIPEX patientsMost patientsTreg functionHomeostatic proliferationAutoimmune diseasesPatientsHealthy individuals
2011
Related B cell clones populate the meninges and parenchyma of patients with multiple sclerosis
Lovato L, Willis SN, Rodig SJ, Caron T, Almendinger SE, Howell OW, Reynolds R, O’Connor K, Hafler DA. Related B cell clones populate the meninges and parenchyma of patients with multiple sclerosis. Brain 2011, 134: 534-541. PMID: 21216828, PMCID: PMC3030766, DOI: 10.1093/brain/awq350.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsB-LymphocytesCentral Nervous SystemClone CellsHumansImmunoglobulin Variable RegionMeningesMultiple SclerosisConceptsB cell clonesB cell aggregatesMultiple sclerosisCentral nervous systemParenchymal infiltratesCell clonesNervous systemMeningeal B cell aggregatesRelated B cell clonesProgressive multiple sclerosisB-cell infiltratesCerebral spinal fluidInflammatory plaquesCell infiltrateImmune compartmentParenchymal lesionsLymphoid tissueSclerosisSpinal fluidWhite matterPatientsGray matterBrain tissueInfiltratesMeninges
2010
A unique antibody gene signature is prevalent in the central nervous system of patients with multiple sclerosis
Ligocki AJ, Lovato L, Xiang D, Guidry P, Scheuermann RH, Willis SN, Almendinger S, Racke MK, Frohman EM, Hafler DA, O'Connor KC, Monson NL. A unique antibody gene signature is prevalent in the central nervous system of patients with multiple sclerosis. Journal Of Neuroimmunology 2010, 226: 192-193. PMID: 20655601, PMCID: PMC2937103, DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.06.016.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMultiple sclerosisB cellsGene signatureMS brain tissueCSF of patientsCNS tissue samplesEnriched B cellsCentral nervous systemB cell receptorMS brainsTissue injuryNervous systemBrain tissueCell receptorTissue samplesSclerosisPatientsCSFUnique accumulationCellsSomatic hypermutationInjuryBrainReceptors
2009
Epstein–Barr virus infection is not a characteristic feature of multiple sclerosis brain
Willis SN, Stadelmann C, Rodig SJ, Caron T, Gattenloehner S, Mallozzi SS, Roughan JE, Almendinger SE, Blewett MM, Brück W, Hafler DA, O’Connor K. Epstein–Barr virus infection is not a characteristic feature of multiple sclerosis brain. Brain 2009, 132: 3318-3328. PMID: 19638446, PMCID: PMC2792367, DOI: 10.1093/brain/awp200.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMultiple sclerosis brainEpstein-Barr virus infectionEBV infectionWhite matter lesionsMultiple sclerosisCentral nervous systemMatter lesionsVirus infectionSecond cohortEBV infected cellsB cell infiltrationB cell aggregatesInflammatory demyelinating diseaseB-cell infiltratesReal-time polymerase chain reaction methodologyCNS immunopathologyCNS lymphomaDemyelinating diseaseCell infiltrateSitu hybridizationCell infiltrationLarge cohortBrain pathologyNervous systemPolymerase chain reaction methodology
2005
Plasma cells in muscle in inclusion body myositis and polymyositis
Greenberg S, Bradshaw E, Pinkus J, Pinkus G, Burleson T, Due B, Bregoli L, O’Connor K, Amato A. Plasma cells in muscle in inclusion body myositis and polymyositis. Neurology 2005, 65: 1782-1787. PMID: 16344523, DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000187124.92826.20.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAntigens, SurfaceAutoantigensBiomarkersBiopsyB-LymphocytesCell DifferentiationCell LineageHumansImmunoglobulinsImmunohistochemistryLymphocyte ActivationMembrane GlycoproteinsMuscle, SkeletalMyositis, Inclusion BodyPlasma CellsPolymyositisProteoglycansRNA, MessengerSyndecan-1SyndecansT-LymphocytesConceptsInclusion body myositisBody myositisB cellsImmunoglobulin gene transcriptsPlasma cellsImmunohistochemical studyCell-mediated immune mechanismsMore T cellsT cell populationsMuscles of patientsMuscle biopsy specimensPrevious immunohistochemical studiesB cell activationDifferentiated B cellsB-cell lineageCell surface markersImmunoglobulin gene rearrangementsUntreated patientsHumoral mechanismsBiopsy specimensImmune mechanismsLaser capture microdissectionT cellsPolymyositisMyositis
2001
Immunological Memory: Contribution of Memory B Cells Expressing Costimulatory Molecules in the Resting State
Bar-Or A, Oliveira E, Anderson D, Krieger J, Duddy M, O’Connor K, Hafler D. Immunological Memory: Contribution of Memory B Cells Expressing Costimulatory Molecules in the Resting State. The Journal Of Immunology 2001, 167: 5669-5677. PMID: 11698439, DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.167.10.5669.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMemory B cellsB cell subsetsB cellsCell subsetsCostimulatory moleculesB cell memory compartmentMemory responsesImmune memory responseDistinct B cell subsetsHuman memory B cellsHumoral memory responsesHuman B cellsTh cellsImmunological memoryT cellsMemory compartmentPoor APCsMurine systemNovel subpopulationRelative paucityCellsThe Neuroimmunology of Multiple Sclerosis: Possible Roles of T and B Lymphocytes in Immunopathogenesis
O'connor K, Bar-Or A, Hafler D. The Neuroimmunology of Multiple Sclerosis: Possible Roles of T and B Lymphocytes in Immunopathogenesis. Journal Of Clinical Immunology 2001, 21: 81-92. PMID: 11332657, DOI: 10.1023/a:1011064007686.Peer-Reviewed Reviews, Practice Guidelines, Standards, and Consensus StatementsConceptsMultiple sclerosisT cellsB cellsImmunopathology of MSMyelin-reactive T cellsCentral nervous system white matterNervous system white matterAutoreactive T cellsMS immunopathologyImmunosuppressive therapyCNS pathogenesisTolerance breakdownAutoreactive cellsInflammatory diseasesPathological studiesAnimal modelsB lymphocytesWhite matterMajor mediatorDisease pathologyNonhuman primatesDiseaseEvidence supportImmunopathologySclerosis