B lymphocytes on the front line of autoimmunity.
The paradigm that B cell response to self antigens (Ag) is promoted by antibodies (Ab) has become unsatisfactory. Studies over the last decade have indeed revealed that B cells serve extraordinarily diverse functions within the immune system other than Ab production. They normally play a role in the development in the regulation, as well as the activation of lymphoid architecture, regulating dentritic cells and T cell subsets function through cytokine production. Receptor editing is also essential in B cells and aids in preventing autoimmunity. Both abnormalities in the distribution of B cells subsets and clinical benefit response to B cell depletion in autoimmune states illustrate their importance. Transgenic animal models have demonstrated that sensitivity of B cells to Ag receptor cross-linking correlates to autoimmunity: negative signaling by CD5 and CD22 in maintaining tolerance through recruitment of phosphatase has thus been documented. In short, a new area has been reached, whereby B lymphocytes return as a significant contributor to autoimmune disorders.
Youinou
Pierre
P
Laboratory of Immunology, Brest University Medical School Hospital, BP824, F29609 Brest Cedex, France. youinou@univ-brest.fr
Hillion
Sophie
S
Jamin
Christophe
C
Pers
Jacques-Olivier
JO
Saraux
Alain
A
Renaudineau
Yves
Y
D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018956:CD5 Antigens / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D018956:CD5 Antigens; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell