Regulation of autoreactive B cells: checkpoints and activation

Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz). 2007 Mar-Apr;55(2):83-9. doi: 10.1007/s00005-007-0011-0. Epub 2007 Mar 9.

Abstract

It has become clear that the autoreactive B cells are a part of the normal naïve B cell repertoire in the periphery, despite the fact that they undergo a series of checkpoints, which include receptor editing (revision), clonal deletion, and anergy. However, most of those B cells reactive against self antigen remain functionally naïve for autoantibody production by differential peripheral checkpoints. Therefore, the presence of autoreactive B cells does not always signify disease. Regulation of their activation and effector functions will determine the ultimate outcome. Although autoreactive B cell tolerance is well maintained in the healthy individual, the existence of pathogenic autoantibodies in autoimmune diseases indicates that these tolerogenic checkpoints are broken. Recent studies have demonstrated that autoreactive B cells are regulated by a composite of factors, such as genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers such as bacterial and viral infections as well as other immune cells. Interestingly, Toll-like receptors, previously considered as pattern-recognition receptors to detect and sense pathogens, may also have a potential to recognize self antigens and regulate autoreactive B cells for activation. Understanding the mechanisms of autoreactive B cell regulation and activation may help in identifying novel targets for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantigens / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Autoimmunity*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / virology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Mice
  • Toll-Like Receptors / physiology

Substances

  • Autoantigens
  • Toll-Like Receptors