B Cells with Regulatory Function in Human Diseases

It has long been recognized that B cells with Regulatory function (BREGs) play an important role in human diseases. However, the majority of the studies on BREGs have been conducted in murine models. The studies of BREGs in human disease are limited but of great importance since they provide valuable insights into the potential B cell-directed therapeutics in humans. A number of reports described human B cells that produce IL10, [1-3] as potential BREGs and findings suggest that these human BREGs are potent generators of regulatory T cells (Treg) [4, 5]. Spontaneous IL-10 production by blood mononuclear cells is dramatically higher in untreated autoimmune disease patients than in healthy controls [6]. Yet, current knowledge regarding human B-cell production of IL-10 provides diverse results that are difficult to unify in a coherent model.