Generation and Characterization of Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody–Producing B Cell Clones From Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Abstract

CP-reactive memory B cells comprise a rare, seemingly oligoclonal population with restricted epitope specificity and distinct phenotypic and molecular characteristics suggestive of antigen-presenting cells. Cloning by genetic reprogramming opens new avenues to study the function of autoreactive memory B cells, especially in terms of antigen processing, presentation, and subsequent T cell polarization.