Pathogenic roles of B cells in human autoimmunity; insights from the clinic

Immunity. 2004 May;20(5):517-27. doi: 10.1016/s1074-7613(04)00112-8.

Abstract

The pathogenic roles of B cells in human autoimmune diseases involve a multitude of mechanistic pathways and include the well-established contributions of autoantibodies and immune complexes that induce local inflammatory reactions and tissue destruction. Recent results using several novel B cell-directed therapies have provided new insights into additional roles of B cells in human autoimmunity. In this review, we will highlight some of these studies and discuss how clinical insights parallel murine models of normal immunity and autoimmunity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies