The B lymphocyte and antibody system. Aberrations in the rheumatic diseases.
Abnormalities of B lymphocytes are present in RA including slightly reduced number of peripheral B cells, decreased numbers of T cells (in SLE), synovial infiltration of B and T cells and plasma cells, and increased quantities of B cells in the synovial fluid. Synovial tissues show deposition of immunoglobulin, complement, immune complexes, and abnormal antibodies (e.g., RF). These findings suggest but do not prove B-lymphocyte or antibody involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease. If this system is involved in the pathogenesis, it may result from hypersensitivity, through anaphylactic, cytotoxic, or immune complex reactions; or it may result from immunodeficiency, which favors an infectious disease, immune complex formation, or uncontrolled T-cell response.
D000906:Antibodies / Q000502:physiology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000502:physiology; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000906:Antibodies; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D007073:Immunoglobulin E