B-lymphocytes govern the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome.
T cells have originally occupied central stage of the debate on the type of lymphocytes governing the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). However, B cells has since been substituted for T cells, and insights into their functions have revealed that they accomplish various tasks. Beyond the paradigm that T lymphocytes maintain strict control over B lymphocytes, these latter cells solicit their own help from the former, release a flurry of cytokines, and act as antigen- presenting cells. In SS, excessive of the B cell-activating factor (BAFF) may cause B-cell quantitative anomalies, such as inflation of mature B (Bm)2/Bm2' cells in the circulation, or accumulation of transitional type 2, marginal zone (MZ) and memory B cells within the exocrine gland infiltrates. These excesses are also associated with B-cell qualitative anomalies, such as the internal synthesis of BAFF, and a default mechanism that promotes the autoantibody production in ectopic germinal centers or MZ equivalents. Thus, SS should rather be conceived as a quintessential model for B cell-induced autoimmunity. Such a view opens novel prospects for treatment, and indeed B cell-ablative therapy has already been shown to be beneficial to these patients.
EA 2216, Immunology and Pathology and IFR 148 ScInBioS at the European University of Brittany, and the Brest University Medical School Hospital, Brest, France. youinou@univ-brest.fr
Pierre
P
Youinou
Alain
A
Saraux
Jacques-Olivier
JO
Pers
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D018858:Germinal Center / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology
D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor