[HTML][HTML] Roles of B cells in rheumatoid arthritis

GJ Silverman, DA Carson - Arthritis Res Ther, 2003 - Springer
GJ Silverman, DA Carson
Arthritis Res Ther, 2003Springer
B lymphocytes play several critical roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. They
are the source of the rheumatoid factors and anticitrullinated protein antibodies, which
contribute to immune complex formation and complement activation in the joints. B cells are
also very efficient antigen-presenting cells, and can contribute to T cell activation through
expression of costimulatory molecules. B cells both respond to and produce the chemokines
and cytokines that promote leukocyte infiltration into the joints, formation of ectopic lymphoid …
Abstract
B lymphocytes play several critical roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. They are the source of the rheumatoid factors and anticitrullinated protein antibodies, which contribute to immune complex formation and complement activation in the joints. B cells are also very efficient antigen-presenting cells, and can contribute to T cell activation through expression of costimulatory molecules. B cells both respond to and produce the chemokines and cytokines that promote leukocyte infiltration into the joints, formation of ectopic lymphoid structures, angiogenesis, and synovial hyperplasia. The success of B cell depletion therapy in rheumatoid arthritis may depend on disruption of all these diverse functions.
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