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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

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Published on: January 28, 2010
Marginal zone and B1 B cells unite in the early response against T-independent blood-borne particulate antigens
F Martin1, A M Oliver, J F Kearney
1Division of Developmental and Clinical Immunology, Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
Abstract:
The rate of pathogen elimination determines the extent and consequences of an infection. In this context, the spleen with its highly specialized lymphoid compartments plays a central role in clearing blood-borne pathogens. Splenic marginal zone B cells (MZ), by virtue of their preactivated state and topographical location, join B1 B cells to generate a massive wave of IgM producing plasmablasts in the initial 3 days of a primary response to particulate bacterial antigens. Because of the intensity and rapidity of this response, combined with the types of antibodies produced, splenic MZ and B1 B cells endowed with a "natural memory" provide a bridge between the very early innate and the later appearing adaptive immune response.
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