title: [B lymphocyte abnormalities in connective tissue disorders].
abstract: In addition to the precursors of Ab-secreting cells, B lymphocytes have more essential functions in regulating immune responses than had previously been appreciated. B cell functions include antigen-presenting cells, production of various cytokines, and differentiation of T effector cells. Abnormalities of these B cell functions could contribute to the induction or development of autoimmunity in systemic autoimmune disorders. In this regard, the importance of B cells in systemic autoimmunity and disease expression has been emphasized; therefore, various B cell targeting therapies will be applied to connective tissue disorders more intensively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Nagasaki University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
authors.forename: Shinichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sato
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000276:immunology; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015551:Autoimmunity; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D016207:Cytokines; D006801:Humans; D000069283:Rituximab; D051918:Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2 / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D001323:Autoantibodies; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D016207:Cytokines; D051918:Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2; C448700:epratuzumab; D000069283:Rituximab; C511911:belimumab