T‐bet+ memory B cells: Generation, function, and fate
Abstract
B cells expressing the transcription factor T‐bet have emerged as participants in a number of protective and pathogenic immune responses. T‐bet+ B cells characteristically differentiate in response to combined Toll‐like receptor and cytokine signaling, contribute to protective immunity against intracellular pathogens via IgG2a/c production and antibody‐independent mechanisms, and are prone to produce autoantibodies. Despite recent advances, a number of questions remain regarding the basic biology of T‐bet+ B cells and their functional niche within the immune system. Herein, we review the discovery and defining characteristics of the T‐bet+ B cell subset in both mice and humans. We further discuss their origins, the basis for their persistence, and their potential fate in vivo. Evidence indicates that T‐bet+ B cells represent a distinct, germinal center‐derived memory population that may serve as an important therapeutic target for the improvement of humoral immunity and prevention of autoimmunity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2019
- Source ID
- 10.1111/imr.12736
Entities
People
- Arpita Myles
- James J. Knox
- Michael P Cancro
Organizations
- Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
- University of Pennsylvania