Which cells are primarily hyperreactive in SLE leading to autoantibody production?

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), B cells are primarily hyperreactive, leading to the production of autoantibodies. In SLE, there is a dysregulation of the immune system, which can result in excessive activation of B cells. These activated B cells produce a wide range of autoantibodies that target various self-antigens, contributing to the characteristic features of the disease, such as immune complex formation and tissue damage.

The hyperreactive nature of B cells in SLE can be attributed to several factors, including the presence of autoantigens, signaling through various cytokines, and help from T helper cells. This dysregulation leads to the generation of antibodies against the body’s own proteins, which is a hallmark of autoimmune diseases such as SLE.

While other cell types such as T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils play important roles in the immune response and can contribute to inflammation and disease pathology, they are not primarily responsible for the hyperreactivity that leads to the widespread autoantibody production seen in SLE. T cells can assist in the activation of B cells, but the main effector cells in the context of autoantibody production are indeed the B cells.