Geranylgeranylation is required for B-cell proliferation and plasma cell survival implications for autoimmune therapy.

Geranylgeranyltransferase type II (GGTase II) is essential for B-cell activation, proliferation, and plasma cell survival, with its inhibition reducing autoimmune disease activity in mice.

• Why it matters: Long-lived plasma cells contribute to refractory autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and current therapies fail to eliminate them effectively, necessitating new targets.
• What they did: The study used genetic deletion of Rabggta in B cells, chemical inhibition with 3-PEHPC, and statins to show GGTase II's role in antibody responses, germinal center formation, and plasma cell maintenance.
• The result: Inhibiting GGTase II with 3-PEHPC or statins significantly depleted antibody-secreting cells and alleviated disease in lupus-like mice, suggesting GGTase II as a promising therapeutic target.