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

Objective Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are pattern‐associated receptors in innate immunity that may be involved in the recognition of self antigens and the production of pathogenic autoantibodies. This study was undertaken to examine the expression and function of various TLRs in subpopulations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods The expression of TLRs in PBMCs from 50 SLE patients with active disease (SLE Disease Activity Index [SLEDAI] score ≥8; n = 26) or inactive disease (SLEDAI score