title: Molecular abnormalities of the B cell in systemic lupus erythematosus are candidates for functional inhibition treatments.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The B cell is a key player in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Loss of B cell tolerance resulting in autoantibody production and immune complex formation and deposition are central features of the disease. B cell overactivity is a hallmark of SLE and molecular abnormalities in B cell signaling cascade have been described.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review, we will focus on the aberrant phenotype of B cell signaling in patients with lupus. We will also discuss data stemming from the use of small molecules that have recently been recognized to target important steps of the B cell signal transduction pathways with therapeutic implications for SLE.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Attempts to target the B cell in SLE have been made through depletion, blocking of survival factors and co-receptor inhibition. However, the still unmet need for effective therapy of refractory disease makes the necessity for new drugs impelling.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor of Medicine/Rheumatology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras University Hospital, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine , GR 26504, Patras , Greece +30 2613 603 693 ; +30 2610 993 982 ; snliossis@med.upatras.gr.
authors.forename: Stamatis-Nick C
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Liossis
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Melissaropoulos
mesh_terms: D000077329:Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase; D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D000072377:Syk Kinase; D019061:src-Family Kinases / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D000077329:Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase; C000606896:SYK protein, human; D000072377:Syk Kinase; C060902:lyn protein-tyrosine kinase; D019061:src-Family Kinases