Testosterone is an endogenous regulator of BAFF and splenic B cell number

Anna S. Wilhelmson, Marta Lantero Rodriguez, Alexandra Stubelius, Per Fogelstrand, Inger Johansson, Matthew B. Buechler, Steve Lianoglou, Varun N. Kapoor, Maria E. Johansson, Johan B. Fagman, Amanda Duhlin, Prabhanshu Tripathi, Alessandro Camponeschi, Bo T. Porse, Antonius G. Rolink, Hans Nissbrandt, Shannon J. Turley, Hans Carlsten, Inga-Lill Mårtensson, Mikael C. I. KarlssonÅsa Tivesten

22 Citationer (Scopus)
55 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Testosterone deficiency in men is associated with increased risk for autoimmunity and increased B cell numbers through unknown mechanisms. Here we show that testosterone regulates the cytokine BAFF, an essential survival factor for B cells. Male mice lacking the androgen receptor have increased splenic B cell numbers, serum BAFF levels and splenic Baff mRNA. Testosterone deficiency by castration causes expansion of BAFF-producing fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) in spleen, which may be coupled to lower splenic noradrenaline levels in castrated males, as an α-adrenergic agonist decreases splenic FRC number in vitro. Antibody-mediated blockade of the BAFF receptor or treatment with the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine revert the increased splenic B cell numbers induced by castration. Among healthy men, serum BAFF levels are higher in men with low testosterone. Our study uncovers a previously unrecognized regulation of BAFF by testosterone and raises important questions about BAFF in testosterone-mediated protection against autoimmunity.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
Artikelnummer2067
TidsskriftNature Communications
Vol/bind9
Sider (fra-til)1-13
Antal sider13
ISSN2041-1723
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 1 dec. 2018

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