Figure 5

Co-evolution of Plasma-cells with IgG4 secreting cells in CG, RP and NRP.

(A) Changes in percentage of IgG4 secreting cells over time determined by ELISpot showed an inverse evolution to the changes in the percentage of inflammatory plasma-cells (CXCR3⁺). On the contrary, the same evolution pattern was found in CXCR3^-CXCR4^- plasma-cells in RP patients only. This result suggests the possibility they may be the same cells. (B) Box plots representing the median and IQRs of the percentages of CXCR3^-CXCR4^- plasma-cells for each time point. An increase of these cells was observed in RP patients during AIT. Statistical Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed and, applying Bonferroni correction, significant changes were considered when p < 0.012. Results for CXCR3⁺ and CXCR3^-CXCR4^- cells were expressed as percentage of total plasma cells (CD19⁺CD20^-CD38⁺CD138⁺).