We show significant deviations in the memory B cell compartment, related to disease activity and therapeutic efficacy. Pronounced molecular impairments were seen in the fast-responding IgM-memory and the mucosal IgA-memory B cells. Because of the demonstrated abundance of B cells in affected tissue, we hypothesize relocation of memory B cells to the site of inflammation could account for the deviations found in blood of BD patients. These peripheral B cells are easily accessible as a marker to monitor therapeutic efficacy.
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