The antibody response to RNA-related antigens such as Sm/RNP requires the endosomal RNA sensor TLR7, and this process is crucial in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus at least in animal models. The inhibitory B cell receptor CD72 is unique because it recognizes Sm/RNP and specifically inhibits the activation of Sm/RNP-reactive B cells by activating SH2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1). In the normal immune system, Sm/RNP-reactive B cells are tolerized by a unique mechanism that probably involves SHP-1. These self-reactive B cells appear in the peripheral lymphoid organs, differentiate into marginal zone B cells, and then undergo apoptosis without further maturation into plasma cells. Thus, CD72 is involved in the suppression of TLR7-mediated response to RNA in complexes with nuclear proteins that are resistant to nucleases, whereas free RNAs are degraded by nucleases before they encounter the endosomal RNA sensor.
Keywords: CD72; SLE; Sm/RNP; TLR7; marginal zone B cell; self-reactive B cell.