title: B-cell: a logical target for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: The interest for B-cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is currently being revived. They are involved in the development and activation of lymphoid architecture by regulating dentritic cell and T-cell function through cytokine production. Receptor editing an revising are also essential in B-cells and aid in preventing autoimmunity. Abnormalities in the subset distribution and a default in any task assigned to the B-cells may favor autoimmunity. Beneficied responses to B-cell depletion in RA by anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab illustrate the importance of B-lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of this disease. A new avenue has thus been opened, whereby B-lymphocytes return as a significant contributor to autoimmune disorders.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Immunology, Brest University Medical School Hospital, Brest, France. youinou@univ-brest.fr
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Youinou
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jamin
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saraux
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000276:immunology; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D018956:CD5 Antigens / Q000502:physiology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D000069283:Rituximab
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D018956:CD5 Antigens; D000069283:Rituximab