Ectopic germinal centers, BAFF and anti-B-cell therapy in myasthenia gravis

Autoimmun Rev. 2013 Jul;12(9):885-93. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2013.03.011. Epub 2013 Mar 26.

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by antibodies directed to molecules of the endplate of the neuromuscular junction. B cells play a major role in MG disease since they produce the pathogenic antibodies and therapies targeting B cells are effective. The aim of this article was to review the role of B cells in myasthenia gravis. We will first describe what we know about B cells in this disease and examine the involvement of the B cells in the thymus of MG patients. We will detail the role of factors associated with B-cell function such as BAFF. Finally, we will discuss the effects of therapy targeting B cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Cell Activating Factor / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Germinal Center / pathology
  • Humans
  • Myasthenia Gravis / immunology*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / pathology*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / therapy
  • Thymus Gland / pathology

Substances

  • B-Cell Activating Factor