Follicular B Cells Promote Atherosclerosis via T Cell–Mediated Differentiation Into Plasma Cells and Secreting Pathogenic Immunoglobulin G

Abstract

The mechanism by which FO B cells promote atherosclerosis is highly dependent on their expression of MHCII, CD40, and Blimp-1. FO B cell differentiation into IgG-producing plasma cells also is critical for their proatherogenic actions. Targeting B-T cell interactions and pathogenic IgG may provide novel therapeutic strategies to prevent atherosclerosis and its adverse cardiovascular complications.