B cells in Autoimmune diseases: Focus on Sj ö gren's Syndrome

NIDCR Clinical Research Fellowship Grand Rounds B cells play a complex role in the development of systemic autoimmune diseases, especially in primary Sj ö gren's syndrome, a progressive condition that damages saliva and tear glands and leads to dry mouth, dry eyes, and other symptoms. Dr. Jacques-Olivier Pers will outline growing evidence that regulatory B lymphocytes (Breg) may blunt the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune disease, and thus may be potential targets for treatment. Studies of distinct B cell subsets that play differing roles in autoimmune diseases are providing new insights into Breg development and immune regulation in different chronic inflammatory diseases. Researchers are also uncovering the mechanisms by which signaling molecules known as cytokines lead to distinct B-cell functions. By determining the nature of the cytokine milieu, Pers and colleagues have identified a distinct cytokine network involved in B-cell specialization. This network may be involved in systemic autoimmune diseases and may be associated with higher B cell reactivity in some clusters of patients. Dr. Jacques-Olivier Pers is director of the INSERM immunology research team U1227 at the University of Brest, France. He has been involved since 1997 in uncovering the role of B cells in autoimmune diseases and lymphoproliferations. His studies have yielded 150 original articles and reviews that have helped to improve understanding B cell functions in autoimmunity — especially in Sj ö g...
Source: Videocast - All Events - Category: General Medicine Tags: Upcoming Events Source Type: video