Regulatory B cell-specific interleukin-10 is dispensable for atherosclerosis development in mice
Doi
Abstract
Objective: To determine the role of regulatory B cell derived interleukin (Il)-10 in
atherosclerosis.
Approach and Results: We created chimeric Ldlr-/- mice with a B cell-specific deficiency in
Il-10, and confirmed that purified B cells stimulated with LPS failed to produce IL-10
compared to control Ldlr-/- chimeras. Mice lacking B cell Il-10 demonstrated enhanced
splenic B cell numbers but no major differences in B cell subsets, T cell or monocyte
distribution, and unchanged body weights or serum cholesterol levels compared to control
mice. After 8 weeks on high fat diet, there were no differences in aortic root or aortic arch
atherosclerosis. In addition to plaque size, plaque composition (macrophages, T cells,
smooth muscle cells and collagen) was similar between groups.
Conclusions: In contrast to its prominent regulatory role in many immune-mediated
diseases and its proposed modulatory role in atherosclerosis, B cell derived Il-10 does not
alter atherosclerosis in mice.This work was funded by the British Heart Foundation (to Z.M.). M. N. has received funding
from the People Programme (Marie Curie Actions) of the European Union's Seventh
Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under REA grant agreement n° 608765.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from American Heart Association at http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/ATVBAHA.115.305568