Inhibition of protein geranylgeranylation specifically interferes with CD40-dependent B cell activation, resulting in a reduced capacity to induce T cell immunity.

Ab-independent effector functions of B cells, such as Ag presentation and cytokine production, have been shown to play an important role in a variety of immune-mediated conditions such as autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and graft-versus-host disease. Most current immunosuppressive treatments target T cells, are relatively unspecific, and result in profound immunosuppression that places patients at an increased risk of developing severe infections and cancer. Therapeutic strategies, which interfere with B cell activation, could therefore be a useful addition to the current immunosuppressive armamentarium.