Impaired B-cell immunological tolerance plays a central role in the pathogenesis of immuno-inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IIRD). B-cells link innate and acquired immunity: they express Toll-like receptors that respond to danger signals; act as antigen-presenting cells; induce an antigen-specific immune response; determine the development of immunological memory; and synthesize a wide range of cytokines that regulate (stimulate or suppress) an immune response and inflammation. In IIRD, there are metabolic and B-cellular signaling disturbances that lead to defects in B-regulatory, T-regulatory, follicular T-helper, and dendritic cells. B-cells synthesize organ-nonspecific and organspecific autoantibodies that are biomarkers for autoimmune diseases and play an important role in their immunopathogenesis. Anti-B-cell therapy that causes B-cell depletion in blood and target organs is effective in a wide range of IIRD. Its efficiency is determined by various mechanisms, such as suppression of pathogenic autoantibody synthesis; modulation of the function of B-cells (antigen presentation, cytokine synthesis, and costimulation), T-lymphocytes and dendritic cells. Further study of a strategy for targeted anti-B-cell therapy, mechanisms of action, and new targets is important for the progress of modern rheumatology to improve the treatment strategy of IIRD.
The web-site of this journal uses cookies to optimize its performance and design as well as special service to collect and analyze data about pages visitors. By continuing to browse this web-site you agree to use cookies and the above service.