Expansion of toll‐like receptor 9–expressing B cells in active systemic lupus erythematosus: Implications for the induction and maintenance of the autoimmune process

In patients with active SLE, the proportion of peripheral blood memory B cells and plasma cells expressing TLR-9 is increased. Endogenous nucleic acids released during apoptotic cell death may stimulate B cells via TLR-9 and contribute to SLE pathogenesis.