Addressing the key issue: Antigen-specific targeting of B cells in autoimmune diseases

•B cell depletion reduces autoimmune disease symptoms but may induce side effects.•Antigen-specific B cell targeted therapies can be solely directed at pathogenic B cells.•CD22, a druggable receptor, is a key target for antigen-specific B cell targeting.•Molecular and cellular platforms may suit antigen-specific B cell targeting.•Antigen-specific targeting can yield insights into the role of autoreactive B cells.