B cells have been demonstrated to have increased activation markers with increased CD19 levels particularly in ATA positive patients.[59] Skin from early SSc has been found to have an innate and adaptive inflammatory profile including B cell signatures which may initiate the fibrotic process.[60] B cells interact with immune cells and non-immune cells both through cytokine production and other mechanisms including antibody production. The gene discussed is CD19; the disease is systemic sclerosis.