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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Characterization of Thymic Settling Progenitors in the Mouse Embryo Using In Vivo and In Vitro Assays
Published on: June 9, 2015
Fetal B-cell lymphopoiesis and the emergence of B-1-cell potential
Kenneth Dorshkind1, Encarnacion Montecino-Rodriguez
1Hematopoietic Malignancies Program, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA. KDorshki@mednet.ucla.edu
Most B cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues are produced in adult bone marrow and are referred to as B-2 cells. A minor B-cell population, known as the B-1-cell population, that is mainly involved in innate immune responses has been identified in mice. In contrast to B-2 cells, B-1-cell progenitors are produced most efficiently during fetal life. This Review focuses on the emergence of B-1-cell potential during embryogenesis, summarizes recent advances in the delineation of a fetal B-1-cell-specified progenitor, and discusses the possibility that distinct fetal and adult B-cell developmental programmes might be operative in humans.
Most B cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues are produced in adult bone marrow and are referred to as B-2 cells. A minor B-cell population, known as the B-1-cell population, that is mainly involved in innate immune responses has been identified in mice. In contrast to B-2 cells, B-1-cell progenitors are produced most efficiently during fetal life. This Review focuses on the emergence of B-1-cell potential during embryogenesis, summarizes recent advances in the delineation of a fetal B-1-cell-specified progenitor, and discusses the possibility that distinct fetal and adult B-cell developmental programmes might be operative in humans.
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