DIAGONSIS AND TREATMENT OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES BY TARGETING AUTOIMMUNE-RELATED B CELLS ('ABCS')

摘要

The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases based on the identification of a novel population of B cells known as Autoimmune- or Age-related B cells (“ABCs”). These cells express the CD11c cell surface protein and exhibit a unique gene expression profile. The ABCs increase in numbers in subjects that are prone to developing autoimmune diseases or in healthy individuals, particularly females, as they age. Accordingly, the present invention includes methods and kits for diagnosis of autoimmune diseases based on the detection of the ABCs before overt symptoms of the disease become detectable. The present invention also includes methods of treatment of autoimmune diseases by targeting the ABCs, as well as methods for assessing the efficacy of treatments of autoimmune diseases.