B-cell compartment abnormalities are associated with ACLF and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis

Abstract

Background: Liver cirrhosis profoundly affects the immune system, leading to an immunological imbalance known as cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate B-cell disturbances in patients with acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis and assess relationships with prognosis and mortality.

Methods: The study included 39 patients with AD of cirrhosis, 29 patients with stable cirrhosis (SC), and 30 healthy controls (CTR). Circulating B-cell subsets and cytokine plasma levels were determined by flow cytometry.

Results: Cirrhotic groups showed higher percentages of naïve B cells, and lower percentages of CD27⁺ memory B cells (MBCs) than CTR. Further analysis comparing SC and AD revealed that the latter had higher frequencies of double-negative (DN) B cells and plasmablasts. Patients with more advanced liver disease exhibited a B-cell maturation shift toward MBCs and plasmablasts. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) was associated with higher DN frequency. The Kaplan-Meier one-year survival probability was 92.9% in patients with >1.3% of transitional B cells and 27.3% in patients with <1.3%.

Conclusions: B-cell subsets are markedly altered in cirrhotic patients, and cell profiles differ between stable and decompensated liver disease. Increased frequencies of DN B cells and reduced proportions of transitional B cells may be of great relevance in predicting ACLF and mortality, respectively.

Keywords: B cells; Flow cytometry; Immune dysfunction; Liver cirrhosis.