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.
Charite Center 12 and 14, Charite University Hospital and DRFZ Berlin, Chariteplatz 01, 10098 Berlin, Germany. thomas.doerner@charite.de
Thomas
T
Dörner
Annett M
AM
Jacobi
Peter E
PE
Lipsky
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*