Autoreactive B cell responses targeting nuclear antigens in systemic sclerosis: Implications for disease pathogenesis

Abstract

A hallmark of disease pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the presence of autoreactive B cell responses targeting nuclear proteins. Almost all SSc-patients harbour circulating antinuclear autoantibodies of which anti-topoisomerase 1, anti-centromere protein, anti-RNA polymerase III and anti-fibrillarin autoantibodies (ATA, ACA, ARA and AFA, respectively) are the most common and specific for SSc. In clinical practice, autoantibodies serve as diagnostic biomarkers and can aid in the identification of clinical phenotypes of the disease. However, factors driving disease progression in SSc are still poorly understood, and it is difficult to predict disease trajectories in individual patients. Moreover, treatment decisions remain rather empirical, with variable response rates in clinical trials due to patient heterogeneity. Current evidence has indicated that certain patients may benefit from B cell targeting therapies. Hence, it is important to understand the contribution of the antinuclear autoantibodies and their underlying B cell response to the disease pathogenesis of SSc.