B-cells Can Act Independently in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus

In systemic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, B-cells can be activated in the absence of T-cells, according to Yale University researchers. The new findings oppose a long-held theory that B-cells are dependent on T-cells for their activation. Instead, the researchers claim that once B-cells are activated via Toll-like receptors, they can recruit T-cells -- and that can lead to a vicious cycle of chronic autoimmune disease whereby the two types of cells activate each other.

• What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
• 10 Things You Should Know About Lupus
• 10 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis

The research sounds rather technical and complicated, I know. But here's why this is so important. Certain new treatments for autoimmune diseases have targeted T-cells but their effectiveness has not compared to that of treatments that targeted B-cells. The findings show that B-cells can act alone -- independently of T-cells in autoimmune disease. This may be valuable information as new treatments are developed. Read more about the study from Yale University and in the August 7, 2008 issue of Immunity.

Related Resources:

• What Are B Cells?
• What Are Antibodies?
• Rituxan Targets B-cells
• More About B-cells

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