Had a great session at the EULAR where I presented my research about ANCA-specific B cells in ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Key findings:

•Single cell sequencing of B cells in AAV patients demonstrated significant alterations:
↑increased frequency and ↑ clonally expanded plasma blasts
↑somatic hypermutation of IgA⁺ B cells
↑Light chain rearrangement  and lambda usage

•Upregulation of genes involved in B cell activation, differentiation, survival and antibody production (JCHAIN, BCMA, SDC1)

*Our findings suggest a potential ongoing mucosal immune activation in AAV

Identified ANCA-specific B cells
MPO- specific B cells: IgA⁺/IgG1-3⁺ expanded and highly mutated PB PR3-specific B cells: IgG1-2-4⁺ expanded switched memory B cells