B cells in autoimmunity.
B-cell development is tightly regulated, including the induction of B-cell memory and antibody-secreting plasmablasts and plasma cells. In the last decade, we have expanded our understanding of effector functions of B cells as well as their roles in human autoimmune diseases. The current review addresses the role of certain stages of B-cell development as well as plasmablasts/plasma cells in immune regulation under normal and autoimmune conditions with particular emphasis on systemic lupus erythematosus. Based on preclinical and clinical data, B cells have emerged increasingly as both effector cells as well as cells with immunoregulatory potential.
Dörner
Thomas
T
Charite Center 12 and 14, Charite University Hospital and DRFZ Berlin, Chariteplatz 01, 10098 Berlin, Germany. thomas.doerner@charite.de
Jacobi
Annett M
AM
Lipsky
Peter E
PE
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D016175:B-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*