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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
10:26
In Vitro Differentiation Model of Human Normal Memory B Cells to Long-lived Plasma Cells
Published on: January 20, 2019
Germinal centres: role in B-cell physiology and malignancy.
Ulf Klein1, Riccardo Dalla-Favera
1Institute for Cancer Genetics, Departments of Pathology and Genetics & Development, and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, 1130 St Nicholas Avenue, New York, New York 10032, USA.
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|December 22, 2007
Summary
Recent advances reveal unique B cell physiology in germinal centers (GC). Understanding GC B cell phenotypes, transcriptional programs, and differentiation is key for B-cell lymphoma pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Germinal centers (GC) are crucial sites for B cell development and antibody diversification.
- Understanding normal B cell physiology within the GC is essential for deciphering malignant transformations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent technological and mechanistic advances in germinal center B cell research.
- To discuss the implications of these findings for the pathogenesis of B-cell lymphomas.
Main Methods:
- Technological advancements enabling precise phenotype dissection of GC B cells.
- Analysis of transcriptional programs governing GC B cell identity.
- Investigation of mechanisms controlling B cell exit from the GC and differentiation pathways.
Main Results:
- New insights into the unique physiology of normal and malignant B cells within the GC.
- Detailed understanding of GC B cell phenotypes and their underlying transcriptional programs.
- Progress in elucidating mechanisms of B cell differentiation into memory B cells or plasma cells.
Conclusions:
- Recent advances significantly enhance our understanding of GC B cell biology.
- This knowledge provides critical context for understanding B-cell lymphoma pathogenesis.
- Further research into GC B cell mechanisms may reveal novel therapeutic targets.
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