Rationale for B cell targeting in SLE.
B cells are central pathogenic players in systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple other autoimmune diseases through antibody production as well as antibody independent function. At the same time, B cells are known to play important regulatory functions that may protect against autoimmune manifestations. Yet, the functional role of different B cell populations and their contribution to disease remain to be understood. The advent of agents that specifically target B cells, in particular anti-CD20 and ant-BLyS antibodies, have demonstrated the efficacy of this approach for the treatment of human autoimmunity. The analysis of patients treated with these and other B cell agents provides a unique opportunity to understand the correlates of clinical response and the significance of different B cell subsets. Here, we discuss this information and how it could be used to better understand SLE and improve the rational design of B cell-directed therapies in this disease.
Division of Rheumatology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Human Immunology, 247 Whitehead Research Bldg. 615 Michael St., Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA, Ignacio.sanz@emory.edu.
Iñaki
I
Sanz
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*