Immunophenotyping and transcriptional profiling of human plasmablasts in dengue.

Plasmablats are the key cell type involved in Antibody (Ab) production that massively expand in dengue. However, little is known about their molecular profile in dengue . We investigated the transcriptional profiles of plasmablasts from dengue patients. We found that in addition to Ab secretion, they overexpress several molecules related to endothelial interactions, homing to skin or mucosal tisues. Additionally, there are hints for potential involvement in processes such as angiogenesis, leukocyte extravasation and vascular permeability. This is the fisrt detailed transcriptional analysis of plasmablast from dengue patients in India. We use flow cytometry to phenotype these cells and bulk RNA sequencing to analyze their transcriptinal profiles. Overall design: Expression analysis of CD19+ CD20+ IgD+ CD71- CD27- CD38- naïve B cells (N) and CD19+/int CD20- IgD- CD71+ CD27+ CD38+ plasmablasts (PB) sorted from Dengue patients.