IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Metabolic checkpoint AhR prevents pathogenic B cell expansion in murine lupus

Metabolic checkpoint AhR prevents pathogenic B cell expansion in murine lupus

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Video Summary

The speaker described research on how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) regulates autoimmune B cells in lupus. In mouse models, AHR activation with FITC reduced pathogenic B-cell subsets, germinal center cells, and plasmablasts, while B-cell-specific AHR knockout increased autoreactive responses. Single-cell RNA-seq and metabolomics showed AHR induces tryptophan metabolism, creating a positive feedback loop that sustains a tolerogenic, resting B-cell state. Kynurenine mimicked FITC’s effects and also inhibited pathogenic B cells from human SLE samples. Overall, AHR-driven metabolic programming may be a promising therapeutic strategy for autoimmune disease.

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Date April 16, 2026 8:00 AM - 8:15 AM

Room 156

Session Targeting B Cells and Innate Immune Functions in Autoimmunity

Speaker John Mountz

Track Therapeutic Approaches to Autoimmunity (THER)

Year 2026

Keywords

aryl hydrocarbon receptor

autoimmune B cells

lupus

tryptophan metabolism

kynurenine

April 16, 2026 8:00 AM - 8:15 AM

156

Targeting B Cells and Innate Immune Functions in Autoimmunity

John Mountz

Therapeutic Approaches to Autoimmunity (THER)

2026