Role of TIM-1+ Regulatory B Cells in Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis: Implications for Immune Therapy
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: TIM-1-positive regulatory B cells (TIM-1+Bregs) are important modulators of immune responses and influence the liver’s immune microenvironment. However, their role in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is not well understood. This study investigates the involvement of TIM-1+ Bregs in the immunopathogenesis of HAE. Methods: Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess liver tissue pathology and inflammatory changes. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) measured TIM-1 and IL-10 expression in liver tissues from HAE patients. Flow cytometry analyzed the frequencies, phenotypes, and functions of TIM-1+ Bregs and IL-10+TIM-1+ Bregs in the peripheral blood of 20 HAE patients. Immunofluorescence was used to examine the colocalization of TIM-1+ B cells and TIM-4, its ligand, in liver tissues. Results: H&E staining revealed liver architecture disruption and inflammatory infiltration in HAE lesions. IHC and qRT-PCR showed significantly higher TIM-1 and IL-10 expression in HAE tissues compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Flow cytometry revealed increased levels of TIM-1+ B cells, TIM-1+ regulatory B cells (Bregs), and IL-10+TIM-1+ Bregs in HAE patients’ peripheral blood (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence confirmed the colocalization of TIM-1+ B cells and TIM-4+ macrophages in the liver tissue, indicating a potential interaction between these cells. Conclusions: This study identifies TIM-1 as a key immune marker in HAE and highlights the role of TIM-1+ Bregs in regulating the immune response. The TIM-1/TIM-4 interaction may contribute to immune evasion by Echinococcus multilocularis , suggesting that targeting TIM-1+ Bregs and the TIM-1/TIM-4 pathway could offer new immunomodulatory treatment strategies for HAE.
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Funder: Xinjiang Medical University
OpenAlex ID: W4413487174