Ectopic germinal centers, BAFF and anti-B-cell therapy in myasthenia gravis

S Berrih-Aknin, S Ragheb, R Le Panse, RP Lisak - Autoimmunity reviews, 2013 - Elsevier
S Berrih-Aknin, S Ragheb, R Le Panse, RP Lisak
Autoimmunity reviews, 2013Elsevier
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by antibodies directed to
molecules of the endplate of the neuromuscular junction. B cells play a major role in MG
disease since they produce the pathogenic antibodies and therapies targeting B cells are
effective. The aim of this article was to review the role of B cells in myasthenia gravis. We will
first describe what we know about B cells in this disease and examine the involvement of the
B cells in the thymus of MG patients. We will detail the role of factors associated with B-cell …
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by antibodies directed to molecules of the endplate of the neuromuscular junction. B cells play a major role in MG disease since they produce the pathogenic antibodies and therapies targeting B cells are effective. The aim of this article was to review the role of B cells in myasthenia gravis. We will first describe what we know about B cells in this disease and examine the involvement of the B cells in the thymus of MG patients. We will detail the role of factors associated with B-cell function such as BAFF. Finally, we will discuss the effects of therapy targeting B cells.
Elsevier