Peripheral development of B cells in mouse and man

R Carsetti, MM Rosado, H Wardmann - Immunological reviews, 2004 - Wiley Online Library
R Carsetti, MM Rosado, H Wardmann
Immunological reviews, 2004Wiley Online Library
In man and in mouse, B‐cell maturation occurs in steps, first in the bone marrow from
hematopoietic precursors to immature/transitional B cells, then in the periphery from
transitional to fully mature B cells. Each developmental step is tightly controlled by the
expression and function of the B‐cell receptor (BCR) and by the ability to interact with the
microenvironment. Mature B cells collaborate with T cells in the adaptive immune response,
leading to the production of high‐affinity antibodies. This response is very accurate, but …
Summary
In man and in mouse, B‐cell maturation occurs in steps, first in the bone marrow from hematopoietic precursors to immature/transitional B cells, then in the periphery from transitional to fully mature B cells. Each developmental step is tightly controlled by the expression and function of the B‐cell receptor (BCR) and by the ability to interact with the microenvironment. Mature B cells collaborate with T cells in the adaptive immune response, leading to the production of high‐affinity antibodies. This response is very accurate, but slow. Immediately after pathogen entry, however, antibodies already present in the serum reinforce the innate immune response and contribute to the first‐line defense against infection. Low‐affinity natural antibodies are produced by B‐1a B cells in the mouse and immunoglobulin M (IgM) memory cells in man. These antibodies represent an immediate protection against all microorganisms and the only one against encapsulated bacteria. B‐1a and IgM memory B cells may function as a link between the innate and adaptive immune response and thus perform a primordial B‐cell function.
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