Do self-perpetuating B lymphocytes drive human autoimmune disease?
Jonathan C W Edwards, Geraldine Cambridge, Vikki M Abrahams
Published: 1999
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Abstract
Normal immunological memory is thought to be underpinned by T lymphocytes. However, in rheumatoid arthritis there are indications that T-lymphocyte control has been subverted by self-perpetuating B lymphocytes.
Potential mechanisms in other autoimmune states are less clear, but a number of observations suggest that misappropriation of immunological memory by B lymphocytes may be a common feature of human autoantibody-associated disease.
Put simply, autoantibodies drive their own production. If so, the availability of safe B-lymphocyte-depleting agents provides a potential means for reversal of autoimmunity.
Web | PDF | Immunology | Open Access
Requested to be posted by @Utsikt
Jonathan C W Edwards, Geraldine Cambridge, Vikki M Abrahams
Published: 1999
[Line breaks added]
Abstract
Normal immunological memory is thought to be underpinned by T lymphocytes. However, in rheumatoid arthritis there are indications that T-lymphocyte control has been subverted by self-perpetuating B lymphocytes.
Potential mechanisms in other autoimmune states are less clear, but a number of observations suggest that misappropriation of immunological memory by B lymphocytes may be a common feature of human autoantibody-associated disease.
Put simply, autoantibodies drive their own production. If so, the availability of safe B-lymphocyte-depleting agents provides a potential means for reversal of autoimmunity.
Web | PDF | Immunology | Open Access
Requested to be posted by @Utsikt