Age-associated B cells are a problematic subset of the B cell population of immune cells that emerges in later life. In recent years researchers have uncovered various ways in which these cells contribute to the pathology of specific age-related conditions. The existence of age-associated B calls makes clearance of B cells an interesting topic; there are ways to destroy the entire B cell population in the body, which then reconstitutes itself within a few weeks minus any senescent or age-associated or other problem B cells. Unfortunately there doesn’t appear to be any meaningful effort underway to bring such immune clearance approaches to the clinic. Studies so far remain preclinical, meaning assessments in animal models of age-related disease, and looking over correlations in human data. That said, one strong focus that may give rise to clinical efforts is the contribution of age-associated B cells to autoimmune conditions.
Age-associated B cells (ABC) are a unique subset of antigen-experienced B cells that were first identified in old female mice. ABC have both physiological and pathological roles in humans and they are important in the progression of some immune disorders, chronic infections, and even in the aging process. These cells are differentiated from other B cell subsets by the expression of transcription factors T-bet and surface markers such as CD11c+, CD21/CD35-, CD23-.
ABCs are heterogeneous cell populations that are involved in the development of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis by producing inflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies, antigen-presenting to T cell, and developing a specific humoral response and memory. Discovering the exact function of ABCs and their related regulatory factors can be effective in introducing them as therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. In this manuscript, we aimed to explain the role of these cells and their function in autoimmune diseases so that by reviewing past studies, a new window can be opened towards a better therapy approach of mentioned autoimmune diseases, in the future.
