Expansion of Autoreactive Unresponsive CD21^−/low B Cells in Sjögren's Syndrome–Associated Lymphoproliferation

Abstract

Patients with primary SS who display high frequencies of autoreactive and unresponsive CD21-/low B cells are susceptible to developing lymphoproliferation. These cells remain in peripheral blood controlled by functional anergy instead of being eliminated, and chronic antigenic stimulation through TLR stimulation may create a favorable environment for breaking tolerance and activating these cells.