[Do B cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis?].
The role of B cells for the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been debated for a long time. Here we show that chronic inflammation in the affected joints leads to the development of ectopic germinal centers. A micro-environment is established which supports B cell activation and differentiation. Plasma cells may develop which secrete autoantibodies of high affinity directly into the synovial tissue. Antigen/antibody complex formation, the activation of the complement cascade and the stimulation of macrophages may contribute to the destruction of joints. Furthermore, B cells are efficient antigen presenting cells. They seem to play a pivotal role in the activation of synovial T cells and the induction of cytokine secretion. The success of B cell depletion therapy by using the monoclonal antibody Rituximab further emphasized the importance of B cells in the pathogenesis of RA.
Berek
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Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, Schumannstr. 21-22, 10117 Berlin, Germany. berek@drfz.de
D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological
D016207:Cytokines