Phenotypic Changes of Lymphocytes in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Who Are in Longterm Remission After B Cell Depletion Therapy with Rituximab

Abstract

Our results suggest that the phenotypic changes of peripheral B cells result in inhibition of T cell differentiation and activation mediated by B cells and thereby bring about longterm remission of SLE. Activated memory B cells or ICOS-positive CD4-positive memory T cells reappeared in association with relapse, probably reflecting the heterogeneity of SLE.