Neutrophils & B Cells Create Unique Antibodies in Lupus Patients

The authors propose that patients with SLE have a higher frequency of NET-specific B cells in the B cell memory pool than healthy patients. However, they also note that patients with SLE may have a genetically determined tendency towards increased B cell activation. The study did not determine whether in vivo B cell activation required direct interaction with NETting neutrophils. Nevertheless, the authors suggest NETs or the LL37-DNA complexes may serve as targets for SLE therapy.

Lara C. Pullen, PhD, is a medical writer based in the Chicago area.

Reference

Gestermann N, Di Domizio J, Lande R, et al. Netting neutrophils activate autoreactive B cells in lupus. J Immunol. 2018 May 15;200(10):3364–3371. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

SAN FRANCISCO—To unravel the mysteries of how autoimmunity begins in the body and, one day, to interrupt that process, rheumatology researchers are exploring the role of neutrophils, especially when they form and release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). At a panel discussion on Nov. 6, 2015, held at the American College of Rheumatology’s Basic Research Conference,…

Over 50 years ago, an article appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine: “Immunologic Factors and Clinical Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.”1 Written by a young postdoctoral fellow, Peter H. Schur, MD, and colleagues, the article synthesized important work in the field at the time. What follows is a discussion of the historical context…

Certain medications have been associated for decades with the development of drug-induced autoimmunity. New research published in March 2018 in Arthritis & Rheumatology suggests that NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps) are potentially implicated in the mechanisms that lead to drug-induced autoimmunity.1 Peter Grayson, MD, MSc, head of the Vasculitis Translational Research Program at the National Institute…

Progress toward targeted therapy

Rheumatology Researchers Explore Role of Neutrophils in Autoimmunity

A 52-Year-Old Lupus Paper Remains Important Today

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps & Their Role in Autoimmunity

T Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Related Articles