Table 2

Potential pathologic functions of B lymphocytes in autoimmune disease

Presentation of immune-complexed antigens to autoreactive T cells

Expression of adhesion and other costimulatory molecules that promote T cell activation

Synthesis of chemokines that induce leukocyte infiltration

Production of factors that initiate and sustain angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation

Release of autoantibodies that are directly or indirectly (via immune complex formation) destructive to tissues

Maintenance of a memory response to autoantigens

Silverman and Carson Arthritis Res Ther 2003 5(Suppl 4):S1   doi:10.1186/ar1010