Frontiers in Immunology (Apr 2018)

B Cell Modulation Strategies in Autoimmune Diseases: New Concepts

  • Philippe Musette,
  • Jean David Bouaziz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.00622
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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B cells are major effector cells in autoimmunity through antibody production, T cell help and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Major advances have been made in human B cell biology knowledge using rituximab and type II new anti-CD20 antibodies, anti-CD19 antibodies, anti-CD22 antibodies, autoantigen specific B cell depleting therapy (chimeric antigen receptor T cells), and B cell receptor signaling inhibition (Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors). However, in certain circumstances B cell depleting therapy may lead to the worsening of the autoimmune disease which is in accordance with the existence of a regulatory B cell population. Current concepts and future directions for B cell modulating therapies in autoimmune diseases with a special focus on pemphigus are discussed.

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