Reduced non-switched memory B cell subsets cause imbalance in B cell repertoire in systemic sclerosis.

We conclude that the decreased proportion of memory B cells in SSc is due to reduction of non- switched memory B cells, resulting in an imbalance between the tolerogenic and activated memory B cell types. Elevated switched and activated CD95+ DN memory B cells may serve as a biomarker for dcSSc and can have a pathogenic potential by cytokine and autoantibody production.