[B cell abnormality in systemic lupus erythematosus]

B cells play central roles in pathogenesis of SLE through autoantibody production, autoantigen-presentation, cytokine production and activation of cognate T cells. Recently, a specific subset of B cells, which exerts immunoregulatory properties via IL-10 production was identified, and dysfunction of these B cells might involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. Currently, various therapies targeting B cells, such as B cell-depletive therapy and B cell regulation molecules seems promising, however, their efficacy and safety in the treatment of SLE should be carefully verified in the future. Because the pathogenesis varies in each patients with SLE, the advent of new era in which therapies can be selected based on an individual immune abnormality is waiting.