Advances of Regulatory B Cells in Autoimmune Diseases

Front Immunol. 2021 Apr 15:12:592914. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.592914. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

With the ability to induce T cell activation and elicit humoral responses, B cells are generally considered as effectors of the immune system. However, the emergence of regulatory B cells (Bregs) has given new insight into the role of B cells in immune responses. Bregs exhibit immunosuppressive functions via diverse mechanisms, including the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and direct cell contact. The balance between Bregs and effector B cells is important for the immune tolerance. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the characteristics of Bregs and their functional roles in autoimmunity.

Keywords: B cells; IL-10+ B cells; autoimmune diseases; immunomodulation; regulatory B cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis
  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / metabolism*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism*
  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Disease Management
  • Disease Susceptibility*
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Lymphocyte Activation / genetics
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Organ Specificity / immunology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines