Linfocitos B reguladores en enfermedades humanas y modelos murinos de autoinmunidad

B lymphocytes belong to the adaptive immune system and they are responsible for humoral responses. In recent years, it has been demonstrated the existence of B cells with regulatory capacity (Breg) in humans and mouse models. The regulatory function of these B cells is explained by the production of IL-10 and the reduction of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 secretion by CD4 + T cells; in addition, Breg cells promote the differentiation of T lymphocytes into a regulatory phenotype and induce the remission of autoimmune manifestations in different murine models. In humans, alterations in number and function of Breg cells have been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. Therefore, it has been suggested that Breg cells have an important role in the immunopathology of autoimmune diseases and may be a potential target for future treatments.