Journal
NATURE CLINICAL PRACTICE RHEUMATOLOGY
Volume 4, Issue 12, Pages 657-666Publisher
NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP
DOI: 10.1038/ncprheum0950
Keywords
autoimmunity; B cells; interleukin 10; regulatory T cells; Toll-like receptor
Categories
Funding
- Medical Research Council [G117/515] Funding Source: researchfish
- Medical Research Council [G117/515] Funding Source: Medline
- Wellcome Trust Funding Source: Medline
- MRC [G117/515] Funding Source: UKRI
Ask authors/readers for more resources
B lymphocytes contribute to immunity through organogenesis of secondary lymphoid organs, presentation of antigen to T cells, production of antibodies, and secretion of cytokines. Their roles in autoimmune diseases are complex. Clinical trials have shown that depleting B cells can significantly ameliorate such diseases, underlining the contributions of B cells to pathogenesis. Conversely, B-cell depletion can lead to exacerbation of symptoms in some patients. In mice, B cells can offer protection from chronic autoimmune pathologies. It is important to understand the mechanisms responsible for the distinct roles of B cells in autoimmune diseases, and investigation of these processes could highlight new therapeutic strategies. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of the suppressive functions of activated B cells in mice, as well as the promising potential of B cells for use as cell-based therapy for experimental autoimmune diseases, and, finally, discuss the possibility of translating this cellular approach to treat human autoimmune diseases.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available