The regulation of lupus-associated autoantibodies: immunoglobulin transgenic models.

Several advances have been made regarding the regulation of lupus-associated autoantibodies, including the identification of factors that lead to their production in autoimmunity. Recent studies have further defined the receptor-editing mechanisms used to eliminate autoreactive B cells, and have shown that these may be altered in autoimmune mice. In addition, evidence that autoreactive B cells persisting in the periphery can be activated by both T-dependent and T-independent stimuli suggests potential pathways by which autoantibodies may arise in lupus.