LangChuangHeJi decoction ameliorates lupus via preventing accumulation of CD138+ T cells in MRL/lpr mice.

LangChuangHeJi (LCHJ) decoction has been used as a supplementary therapy to reduce the dose of prednisone and improve the therapeutic effects in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) maintenance. We aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of LCHJ. Spleen and lymph node weight, renal tissue histology, anti-dsDNA and anti-nuclear antibody levels in serum, and urinary protein levels were measured to evaluate the therapeutic effects. We further measured serum levels of multiple cytokines and antibody subsets, and performed flow cytometry analysis to observe effects of LCHJ on the frequency and activation of T cells and T cell subsets, as well as accumulation of plasma cells in splenocytes of MRL/lpr mice. LCHJ exhibited significant therapeutic effects on MRL/lpr mice. LCHJ significantly controlled the in vivo inflammation and dramatically prevented the accumulation of DN T and plasma cells in MRL/lpr mice. Moreover, LCHJ significantly suppressed the accumulation of CD138+ T cells in MRL/lpr mice, which led to the decreased production of the anti-dsDNA antibody in vivo. LCHJ significantly decreased CD4+CD138+ T cells originated from CD4+CD138- T cells, which subsequently prevented the accumulation of CD138+ T cells in MRL/lpr mice. Our results indicated that LCHJ alleviated renal injuries and prevented the enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes by suppressing DN T cell accumulation, and reduced anti-dsDNA antibody secretion by preventing the accumulation of CD138+ T cells.