B cells flying solo

Abstract

Systemic autoimmunity such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with the loss of B-cell tolerance, B-cell dysregulation and autoantibody production. While some autoantibodies may contribute to the pathology seen with SLE, numerous studies have shown that dysregulation of T-cell function is another critical aspect driving disease. The positive results obtained in clinical trials using T-cell- or B-cell-specific treatments have suggested that cooperation between T and B cells probably underlies disease progression in many patients. A similar cooperative mechanism seemed to explain SLE developing in mice overexpressing the B-cell-activating factor from the tumor necrosis factor f..