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

1. 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.