The multifaceted role of B lymphocytes in type 1 diabetes

Lymphocytes B cells (B cells) play a determinant role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D); indeed, B cells antigen-presentation capabilities are largely described as a main contributing pathogenic factor. Recent evidences highlighted the role of islet antigen-reactive B cells as a perpetuated contributor to autoantibodies seroconversion and the progression to the late stages of the disease. A loss of B cells anergy towards islet-specific antigens, can be recognized in T1D. Aside from their well characterized role during the pathogenesis and early onset of T1D, a fundamental regulatory role of a subset of B cells, namely regulatory B cells, has proven its relevance in the time course of the disease. Since targeting B cells showed little or no additional benefits; instead, harnessing strategies to expand B regulatory cells could represent an attractive therapeutic path to tackle inflammation and curb diabetes.