Regulatory B cells (Bregs) have an anti-inflammatory role and can suppress autoimmunity, by employing both cytokine secretion and cell-contact mediated mechanisms. Numerous Breg subsets have been described and have overlapping phenotypes in terms of their immune expression markers or cytokine production. A hallmark feature of Bregs is the secretion of IL-10, although IL-35 and TGFβ-producing B cells have also been identified. To date, few reports have identified an impaired frequency or function of Bregs in individuals with type 1 diabetes; thus our understanding of the role played by these Breg subsets in the pathogenesis of this condition is limited. In this review we will focus on how regulatory B cells are altered in the development of type 1 diabetes, highlighting both frequency and function and discuss both human and animal studies.
Keywords: B cell; IL-10; frequency; function; type 1 diabetes.
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