Expression of RAG1, RAG2 and VpreB genes in IgD+CD5± peripheral B cells during cyclophosphamide treatment in pediatric SLE

Peripheral B cells of adult SLE patients express recombination activating genes RAG1/2 and surrogate light chain (VpreB) suggesting secondary receptor revision. In pediatric SLE data on receptor revision is limited. We analyzed the expression of RAG1, RAG2 and VpreB mRNA in peripheral IgD+CD5± B cells of a juvenile SLE patient during cyclophosphamide therapy. Using FACS sorting and single cell RT-PCR, the frequency of IgD+CD5± B cells in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) before (A), after one (B), two (C) and 6 cyclophosphamide pulses (D), in addition to the mRNA expression of RAG1, RAG2 and VpreB in individua…