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Rationale for B cell targeting in SLE

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Abstract

B cells are central pathogenic players in systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple other autoimmune diseases through antibody production as well as antibody independent function. At the same time, B cells are known to play important regulatory functions that may protect against autoimmune manifestations. Yet, the functional role of different B cell populations and their contribution to disease remain to be understood. The advent of agents that specifically target B cells, in particular anti-CD20 and ant-BLyS antibodies, have demonstrated the efficacy of this approach for the treatment of human autoimmunity. The analysis of patients treated with these and other B cell agents provides a unique opportunity to understand the correlates of clinical response and the significance of different B cell subsets. Here, we discuss this information and how it could be used to better understand SLE and improve the rational design of B cell-directed therapies in this disease.

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  1. Division of Rheumatology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Human Immunology, 247 Whitehead Research Bldg. 615 Michael St., Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    Iñaki Sanz

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  1. Iñaki Sanz
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Correspondence to Iñaki Sanz.

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This article is a contribution to the special issue on B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases - Guest Editors: Thomas Winkler and Reinhard Voll

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Sanz, I. Rationale for B cell targeting in SLE. Semin Immunopathol 36, 365–375 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-014-0430-z

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