Dynamic spectrum of ectopic lymphoid B cell activation and hypermutation in the RA synovium characterized by NR4A nuclear receptor expression

Ectopic lymphoid structures (ELS) can develop in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue, but the precise pathways of B cell activation and selection are not well understood. Here, we identify a synovial B cell population characterized by co-expression of a family of orphan nuclear receptors (NR4A1-3), which is highly enriched in RA synovial tissue. A transcriptomic profile of NR4A synovial B cells significantly overlaps with germinal center light zone B cells and an accrual of somatic hypermutation that correlates with loss of naive B cell state. NR4A B cells co-express lymphotoxins α and β and IL-6, supporting functions in ELS promotion. Expanded and shared clones between synovial NR4A B cells and plasma cells and the rapid upregulation with BCR stimulation point to in situ differentiation. Together, we identify a dynamic progression of B cell activation in RA synovial ELS, with NR4A transcription factors having an important role in local adaptive immune responses.