BACKGROUND

The role of the scavenger receptor CD36 in cell metabolism and the immune response has been investigated mainly in macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells. However, its involvement in B cells has not been comprehensively examined.

METHODS

To investigate the function of CD36 in B cells, we exposed Cd36MB1 mice, which lack CD36 specifically in B cells, to apoptotic cells to trigger an autoimmune response. To validate the proteins that interact with CD36 in primary B cells, we conducted mass spectrometry analysis following anti-CD36 immunoprecipitation. Immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation were used to confirm the protein interactions.

RESULTS

The data revealed that mice lacking CD36 in B cells exhibited a reduction in germinal center B cells and anti-DNA antibodies in vivo. Mass spectrometry analysis identified 30 potential candidates that potentially interact with CD36. Furthermore, the interaction between CD36 and the inhibitory Fc receptor FcγRIIb was first discovered by mass spectrometry and confirmed through immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation techniques. Finally, deletion of FcγRIIb in mice led to decreased expression of CD36 in marginal zone B cells, germinal center B cells, and plasma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that CD36 in B cells is a critical regulator of autoimmunity. The interaction of CD36-FcγRIIb has the potential to serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmune disorders.