Regulation of immunity and autoimmunity by B cells.

Compelling evidence has demonstrated that IL-10-producing regulatory B cells (B(regs)) are specialized to suppress immune responses and control various immunopathologies. Several reports have provided information on the phenotype, generation, and mechanism of action of B(regs). Recent work has also identified B(regs) in humans and has begun to unravel their phenotype and mode of suppression. A complete analysis of their function in immune-mediated diseases is required for possible future use of B(regs) as a part of new clinical strategies for treating autoimmune diseases and in the induction of transplant tolerance.