Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the heterogeneity of IL-10 producing regulatory B cells in lupus-prone mice

B cells have both pathogenic and protective roles in autoimmune disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Deficiencies in the number or immunosuppressive function of IL-10 producing regulatory B cells (Bregs) can cause exacerbated autoimmune inflammation. However, the exact role of Bregs in lupus pathogenesis has not been elucidated. We carried out gene expression by scRNA-seq to characterize differences in splenic Breg subsets and molecular profiles through stages of disease progression in lupus-prone mice. Overall design: Splenic CD19+ IL-10 producing B cells (Bregs) were isolated from female MRL/lpr mice at the pre-disease (6-8 weeks) and active-disease (10-12 weeks) stages and analyzed by scRNA-seq