Cm. Weyand et al., Cell-cell interactions in synovitis - Interactions between T cells and B cells in rheumatoid arthritis, ARTHRITIS R, 2(6), 2000, pp. 457-463
In rheumatoid arthritis, T cells and B cells participate in the immune resp
onses evolving in the synovial lesions. Interaction between T cells and B c
ells is probably antigen specific because complex microstructures typical o
f secondary lymphoid organs are generated. Differences between patients in
forming follicles with germinal centers, T-cell-B-cell aggregates without g
erminal center reactions, or loosely organized T-cell-B-cell infiltrates mi
ght reflect the presence of different antigens or a heterogeneity in host r
esponse patterns to immune injury. Tertiary lymphoid microstructures in the
rheumatoid lesions can enhance the sensitivity of antigen recognition, opt
imize the collaboration of immunoregulatory and effector cells, and support
the interaction between the tissue site and the aberrant immune response.
The molecular basis of lymphoid organogenesis studied in gene-targeted mice
will provide clues to why the synovium is a preferred site for tertiary ly
mphoid tissue. B cells have a critical role in lymphoid organogenesis. Thei
r contribution to synovial inflammation extends beyond antibody secretion a
nd includes the activation and regulation of effector T cells.