[HTML][HTML] B cell immunity in solid organ transplantation

GE Karahan, FHJ Claas, S Heidt - Frontiers in immunology, 2017 - frontiersin.org
GE Karahan, FHJ Claas, S Heidt
Frontiers in immunology, 2017frontiersin.org
The contribution of B cells to alloimmune responses is gradually being understood in more
detail. We now know that B cells can perpetuate alloimmune responses in multiple ways:(i)
differentiation into antibody-producing plasma cells;(ii) sustaining long-term humoral
immune memory;(iii) serving as antigen-presenting cells;(iv) organizing the formation of
tertiary lymphoid organs; and (v) secreting pro-as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines. The
cross-talk between B cells and T cells in the course of immune responses forms the basis of …
The contribution of B cells to alloimmune responses is gradually being understood in more detail. We now know that B cells can perpetuate alloimmune responses in multiple ways: (i) differentiation into antibody-producing plasma cells; (ii) sustaining long-term humoral immune memory; (iii) serving as antigen-presenting cells; (iv) organizing the formation of tertiary lymphoid organs; and (v) secreting pro- as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines. The cross-talk between B cells and T cells in the course of immune responses forms the basis of these diverse functions. In the setting of organ transplantation, focus has gradually shifted from T cells to B cells, with an increased notion that B cells are more than mere precursors of antibody-producing plasma cells. In this review, we discuss the various roles of B cells in the generation of alloimmune responses beyond antibody production, as well as possibilities to specifically interfere with B cell activation.
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