B cell activation in patients with rheumatic disease: association with an increased ratio of T_h2: T_h1 cytokine secreting cells

Abstract

This minireview examines the pattern of T_h1 and T_h2 cytokine-secreting cells present in the peripheral blood of patients with rheumatic diseases including lupus, myositis, Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. The general conclusion is reached that diseases marked by increased B cell activation are characterized by a relative increase in the frequency of peripheral blood mononuclear cells secreting T_h2 versus T_h1 cytokines.

Key words::

• autoimmunity
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• cytokines