When designing vaccines, consider the starting material: the human B cell repertoire. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Havenar-Daughton, Colin; Abbott, Robert K.; Schief, William R.; Crotty, Shane
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in immunology. Volume 53(2018)
• Page Start: 209
• Page End: 216
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.08.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-7915

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Antigen-specific naive human B cell repertoire analysis as clinical trial prelude. Protein-specific and epitope-specific quantitation of B cells before antigen exposure. B cell precursor frequency and affinity strongly impact germinal center responses. Antigen-specific B cell repertoire study informs immunogen design and prioritization. Abstract : Most viral vaccines provide protection from infection through the generation of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs). The repertoire of B cells responding to immunization is the starting material from which nAbs eventually arise. Immunization strategies are increasingly targeting precise B cell specificities to mimic nAbs generated during natural infection, in an effort to maximize the potency of the vaccine-elicited Ab response. An understanding of the human B cell specificities capable of immunogen recognition can aid in immunogen design and inform decision-making for clinical advancement. Here, we review what is known about antigen-specific and epitope-specific naive B cell repertoires in humans and mice, and we consider the challenges for identifying and analyzing antigen-specific naive B cell repertoires. Finally, we provide a framework for further exploration, interpretation, utilization of the B cell repertoire to facilitate vaccine discovery.