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Regulatory B Cells in Autoimmune Diseases
Author(s) -
Lemoine Sébastien,
Morva Ahsen,
Youinou Pierre,
Jamin Christophe
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04651.x
Subject(s) - regulatory b cells , cd40 , immunology , b cell , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , autoimmunity , tlr9 , immune system , cytotoxic t cell , antibody , in vitro , genetics , gene expression , dna methylation , gene
B lymphocytes contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders since B‐cell depletion treatment improves such diseases. However, B cells seem ambivalent. Murine strains of nonorgan‐specific as well as organ‐specific autoimmune conditions present with aggravated symptoms when B cells are depleted. It is thus likely that some B cells are pathogenic while other have regulatory function. There is not only one regulatory B cell (Breg) subset, but different types of Breg cells. Regulatory function can thus be ascribed to autoreactive B cells, marginal zone B cells, transitional type 2–like B cells, or CD5 + B cells. Regulatory activity is induced only following cell activation through a B‐cell receptor, CD40, and/or TLR9. Regulatory effects are then mediated by a soluble agent, such as IL‐10, and/or direct cell‐to‐cell contacts that involve CD40 or B7 co‐stimulatory molecules. Targeted cells also vary from one disease to another. Antigen‐specific autoreactive T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and regulatory T lymphocytes can thus be either inhibited or activated to finally modulate the autoimmune response. Taken as a whole, it appears that Breg cells participate in the control of autoimmunity within a complex cellular network that may differ for each pathology. Adapted stimulation and control of regulatory activity would thus be a prerequisite to an efficient usage of these B cells as an alternative therapy for autoimmune diseases.