Which immune cell type is primarily involved in the pathogenesis of SLE?

The primary immune cell type involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is B cells. In SLE, B cells play a critical role by producing autoantibodies against various self-antigens, which is a hallmark of the disease. These autoantibodies can form immune complexes that lead to tissue damage and inflammation, contributing to the diverse clinical manifestations of SLE.

B cells also help in the activation of T cells and the production of cytokines, thereby playing a central role in the dysregulated immune response seen in SLE. They can become hyperactive and produce large quantities of antibodies, even when there is no infection to respond to, which is a critical feature of the disease.

Thus, the central involvement of B cells in generating autoantibodies and mediating the autoimmune responses makes them the key players in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.