Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions for suppressing the progression of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis, which contain an antibody against IL-31 receptor A as an active ingredient. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions for suppressing Th2 polarization to suppress the progression of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis, which comprise an antibody against IL-31 receptor A as an active ingredient. In a certain embodiment, the above-mentioned antibody is an antibody having a neutralizing activity against IL-31 receptor A.

Abstract: A method of treating systemic sclerosis in a patient administers an IL-23 specific antibody, e.g., guselkumab, at an initial dose and subsequent doses in order for the patient to respond to the antibody and meet one or more of the clinical endpoints.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of expanding B cells, and in particularly B10 cells capable of producing IL-10, ex vivo. The methods include incubation of harvested B cells in the presence of IL-21. Compositions comprising the ex vivo expanded B cells and methods of using the expanded B cell-containing compositions to treat diseases or conditions are also provided. Methods of assessing B10 cell function in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of expanding B cells, and in particularly B10 cells capable of producing IL-10, ex vivo. The methods include incubation of harvested B cells in the presence of IL-21. Compositions comprising the ex vivo expanded B cells and methods of using the expanded B cell-containing compositions to treat diseases or conditions are also provided. Methods of assessing B10 cell function in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are feeder cell lines that can be used to expand and differentiate B cells in vitro, a method for expanding B cells in vitro comprising culturing the B cells with the feeder cell line, and a method for producing monoclonal antibody in vitro comprising culturing a single B cell with the feeder cell line under sufficient conditions and for sufficient time to induce expansion and differentiation of the B cell into a B cell done secreting antibody.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of expanding B cells, and in particularly B10 cells capable of producing IL-10, ex vivo. The methods include incubation of harvested B cells in the presence of IL-21. Compositions comprising the ex vivo expanded B cells and methods of using the expanded B cell-containing compositions to treat diseases or conditions are also provided. Methods of assessing B10 cell function in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of expanding B cells, and in particularly B10 cells capable of producing IL-10, ex vivo. The methods include incubation of harvested B cells in the presence of IL-21. Compositions comprising the ex vivo expanded B cells and methods of using the expanded B cell-containing compositions to treat diseases or conditions are also provided. Methods of assessing B10 cell function in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of expanding B cells, and in particularly B10 cells capable of producing IL-10, ex vivo. The methods include incubation of harvested B cells in the presence of IL-21. Compositions comprising the ex vivo expanded B cells and methods of using the expanded B cell-containing compositions to treat diseases or conditions are also provided. Methods of assessing B10 cell function in a subject are also provided.