Immune regulation and cell metabolism in B cell subsets in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

By
Masanobu Ueno
Satoshi Kubo
Yasuyuki Todoroki
Shingo Nakayamada
Yoshiya Tanaka
May 26, 2026

Frontiers In Immunology

Overview

Expand on specific metabolic dysregulations and their effects on B cell function.

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that primarily affects young women, leading to significant morbidity due to multi-organ involvement. B cells are central to the disease's pathogenesis through their roles in autoantibody production and immune regulation. Understanding the immunometabolic mechanisms in B cells may provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies for managing SLE.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

Immunometabolism is a key regulatory axis influencing B cell activation and differentiation in SLE.
Autoreactive B cells are significantly increased at transitional and mature naïve stages in SLE patients.
Disruption of B cell tolerance mechanisms occurs at multiple checkpoints during B cell development in SLE.
Chronic inflammation and type I interferon environments promote B cell activation and autoantibody production.
Metabolic pathways in B cells can shape differentiation trajectories and immune responses.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the role of immunometabolism in B cell function when evaluating SLE patients. Targeting metabolic pathways may offer new therapeutic strategies to modulate B cell activity and improve disease outcomes.

Conclusion

The insights into B cell immunometabolism in SLE highlight potential new avenues for therapeutic intervention, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.