Autoreactive B cells in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease affecting joints which is hallmarked by the presence of autoantibodies against citrrulianted protein (ACPA). This thesis describes the phenotypic and functional characteristics of ACPA-expressing autoreactive B cells which suggest potential pathologic roles of these B cells in RA pathogenesis. The thesis also describes strategies to specifically deplete ACPA-expressing B cells to improve current RA therapeutic options.