What B cell memories are made of. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tomayko, Mary M; Allman, David
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in immunology. Volume 57(2019)
• Page Start: 58
• Page End: 64
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2019.01.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-7915

Abstract

Highlights: Different memory B cells can take on different functions. Many memory B cells appear to be exceptionally long-lived. IgM-positive memory B cells may play unique and poorly understood roles in host protection. T-cell independent antigens also often induce lasting antibody titers. Abstract : In many ways, memory B cells represent the ultimate outcome of humoral immunity. Many of these cells express exceptionally high affinity antigen-specific B cell receptors for antigen, and these cells are a critical source of the long-lived plasma cells that secrete protective serum antibodies to protect against secondary exposure to pathogens and other life-threatening antigens. Evidence is now emerging that not all memory B cells are created via the same cellular pathways and molecular events. Similarly, it is becoming clear that different memory B cells can take on different functions, with some producing IgM rather than IgG antibodies upon reactivation, and others preferentially producing plasma cells rather than additional waves of memory B cells. With this review, we discuss the conceptual ides and early studies surrounding early work on B cell memory, then discuss the many pathways and functional attributes of subpopulations of memory B cells and current approaches to characterize these cells directly.