B cell receptor signaling in human systemic lupus erythematosus.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to inform the scientific community of the most recent findings surrounding B cell receptor signaling function in human systemic lupus erythematosus and how altered B cell signaling may explain the characteristic hyperactivity of B cells in active disease and contribute to its pathogenesis.


RESULTS
B cell receptor signaling is abnormal in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus as demonstrated by increased calcium flux and global B cell hyperactivity. Altered signaling has been explained by a variety of factors such as defective FcgammaRIIB signaling, decreased expression of the protein tyrosine kinase Lyn, and increased serum levels of B lymphocyte stimulator.


CONCLUSIONS
The studies reviewed suggest that B cells from systemic lupus erythematosus patients display molecular signaling defects that most likely contribute to pathogenesis of the disease and explain the characteristic hyperactivity of B cells in active disease.
Pugh-Bernard
Aimee E
AE
Integrated Department of Immunology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and National Jewish Medical Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
Cambier
John C
JC
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000276:immunology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D017452:Receptors, IgG / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D019061:src-Family Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
D015703:Antigens, CD; C080571:Fc gamma receptor IIB; D007375:Interleukin-1; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; D017452:Receptors, IgG; C060902:lyn protein-tyrosine kinase; D019061:src-Family Kinases