The treatment effect on peripheral B cell markers in antibody positive myasthenia gravis patients.

B cells play a major role in the pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis (MG) with their ability to produce disease specific, pathogenic antibodies. However, their status during disease development and follow-up stages of the disease in the peripheral blood may need further studies to determine useful markers. In this study, we aimed to detect B cell associated factors concerning immunosuppressive treatment in generalized non-thymomatous MG patients. Although CD19+ B cell distribution did not vary among disease subgroups, expressions of both CD38 and BAFFR were altered on B cells in MG patients under immunosuppressive therapy. Serum levels of BAFF were elevated in untreated MG patients as compared to treated MG patients and healthy controls. B cell activation factors may show profound alterations due to immunosuppression. • We investigated B cell associated factors for immunosuppressive treatment in MG patients. • Expressions of CD38 and BAFFR were altered on B cells under immunosuppressive therapy. • Serum levels of BAFF were elevated in untreated patients as compared to treated patients. • B cell activation factors may show profound alterations due to immunosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]