B cells in Sjogren's syndrome: from pathophysiology to therapeutic target

Biological abnormalities associated with B lymphocytes are a hallmark of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. Those patients present abnormal distribution of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood and B cells in exocrine glands. B cells produce auto-antibodies, cytokines and present antigens but can also suppressive functions. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge on B cells in primary Sjogren's syndrome patients, demonstrate their critical role in the immunopathology of the disease and describe the past and current trials targeting B cells.

Automated summary

The biological abnormalities associated with B lymphocytes in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome are a hallmark of the disease, playing a critical role in the immunopathology. Current knowledge on B cells in this syndrome has been summarized and trials targeting B cells have been described.