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Updated: Feb 19, 2026

Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice
Published on: June 27, 2020
Toll-like receptor 2-mediated human B cell differentiation.
Lisa M Ganley-Leal1, Xiuping Liu, Lee M Wetzler
1Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Evans Biomedical Research Center, 650 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. Lisa.ganleyleal@bmc.org
Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) agonists activate human B cells, promoting germinal center formation and IgM secretion. This suggests TLR2 is a potential vaccine adjuvant target for enhancing immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 agonists enhance immune responses, with B cells playing a key role.
- TLR2 ligands are being explored as vaccine adjuvants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of TLR2 stimulation on human B cell activation and differentiation.
- To assess TLR2's potential as a vaccine adjuvant target.
Main Methods:
- Human B cells from peripheral blood, spleen, and tonsils were stimulated with TLR2 agonists.
- Analysis included CD77 upregulation, chemokine secretion, and IgM production.
Main Results:
- A subset of B cells (TLR2+) responded to TLR2 agonists by upregulating CD77 and secreting chemokines, mimicking germinal center formation events.
- TLR2-activated monocytes induced significant IgM secretion from B cells.
- Activated TLR2+ B cells from tonsils secreted IgM directly upon TLR2 ligand stimulation.
Conclusions:
- TLR2 stimulation influences human B cell activation, differentiation, and function.
- TLR2 plays a role in B cell-mediated immune responses and represents a promising target for vaccine adjuvant development in humans.
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