From the regulatory functions of B cells to the identification of cytokine-producing plasma cell subsets.

Abstract

B lymphocytes have a unique role as antibody-producing cells. Antibodies are key mediators of humoral immunity against infections, and are thought to account for the protection afforded by successful vaccines. B cells can also secrete cytokines and subsequently regulate immune responses mediated by T and innate cells. Remarkably, recent studies identified plasma blasts/plasma cells as the main types of activated B cells producing the cytokines interleukin (IL)-10, IL-35, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-17, and GM-CSF in various contexts in mice. Here, we discuss these observations, which suggest the existence of various subsets of plasma blast/plasma cells distinguishable through their cytokine expression pattern.

• Authors: Van Duc Dang, Ellen Hilgenberg, Stefanie Ries, Ping Shen, Simon Fillatreau
• Journal: Current opinion in immunology (Curr Opin Immunol) Vol. 28 Pg. 77-83 (Jun 2014) ISSN: 1879-0372 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24637161 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Cytokines
• Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II

Topics

• Animals
• B-Lymphocytes (cytology, immunology)
• Cell Differentiation
• Cytokines (biosynthesis, immunology)
• Humans
• Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II (immunology)
• Plasma Cells (cytology, immunology)
• Trypanosoma cruzi (immunology)