Microarray profile of CD19+ B cells from Graves' disease patients reveals potential molecular mechanisms associated with the proliferation of B cell

Hyperthyroidism is a kind of common autoimmune disease. It is widely accepted that B lymphocytes play a significant role in GD as they are the source of autoantibodies (TRAb) against the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR). We previously observed B cells infiltrated in the thyroid tissue from GD patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls.In this study, our flow cytometry results indicated that the proportion of B cells in GD patients is much higher than that in control. To explore the underlying pathological function of B cells in GD, a microarray profiles was performed in these isolated B cells. Peripheral blood was obtained from newly diagnosed GD patients (n = 34) and age matched healthy individuals (n = 34) who were recruited in a parallel group trial. Microarrays were performed to compare the differences in long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA expression profiles of purified B cells in newly diagnosed GD patients with healthy individuals. Gene Ontology (GO)and Pathway analysis showed the potential function and pathway involved in the differentially expressed genes, some were validated by qRT-PCR. Two independent algorithms were used to predict the lncRNAs that regulate target gene. The Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network present the underlying interaction of these differentially expressed genes.