Affiliation:
1. Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2. Research Center for Chronic
Inflammatory Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Abstract:
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that predominantly
affects young males. AS is a condition in which the spine and sacroiliac joints become inflamed.
More specifically, most AS patients experience spine malformations over time, resulting
in functional incapability. The etiopathogenesis of AS is a complex combination of genetic predisposition
and environmental factors. Extensive studies on AS have revealed the central role of genetics
and immune reactions in its etiology. However, an utmost agreement has yet to be created.
The available evidence suggests that both autoinflammation and T-cell-mediated autoimmune processes
have significant roles in the disease process of AS. So far, B cells have obtained moderately
little attention in AS pathogenesis, primarily because of the absence of disease-defining autoantibodies.
However, against general dogma, evidence is mounting showing B cell involvement.
Disruptions depict this in circulating B cell populations, the increased expression of immunoglobulin
(Ig)G, IgA, and IgM, and B cell infiltration within the axial skeleton of AS patients.
:
Meanwhile, compared to many other inflammatory autoimmune disorders, AS has no disease-specific
autoantibodies that help disease diagnosis. This study has provided an overview of the B lymphocytes
and antibodies' role in AS pathogenesis. It also introduces autoantibodies that can be the
prognosis and diagnosis biomarkers of AS.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.