title: B-cell and T-cell function in systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: The process of autoantibody production in systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by findings of both an antigen-driven response and polyclonal B-cell activation. Autoantibody production does not appear to be critically dependent on the presence of the CD5+ B cell subset. Increasing evidence supports a role for T helper cell type 2 cytokines, such as interleukin-4 and interleukin-6, in promoting and perpetuating B-cell hyperactivity and autoantibody formation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21201.
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Via
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Handwerger
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D018956:CD5 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008211:Lymphocyte Cooperation; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D001323:Autoantibodies; D018956:CD5 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D016207:Cytokines