Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
08:25
Flow Cytometric Characterization of Murine B Cell Development
Published on: January 22, 2021
Regulatory B cells: evidence, developmental origin and population diversity
Gaetano Vitale1, Francesca Mion, Carlo Pucillo
1Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, University of Udine, P.le Kolbe, 4, 33100 Udine, Italy.
Molecular Immunology
|October 19, 2010
Summary
Regulatory B cells (Breg cells) actively modulate immune responses beyond antibody production. This review explores their suppressive functions, origins, and relationships within the adaptive immune system.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Adaptive Immunity
Background:
- The adaptive immune system employs mechanisms to prevent over-activation and promote immune resolution.
- B cells are increasingly recognized for their roles in immune modulation beyond antibody secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the regulatory and suppressive functions of recently identified regulatory B cell (Breg) populations.
- To summarize current hypotheses regarding Breg cell ontogeny and lineage relationships.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and evidence.
- Synthesis of current hypotheses on B cell regulatory functions.
Main Results:
- B cells possess the capacity to both induce and suppress immune effector mechanisms.
- These functions are mediated through contact-dependent interactions and cytokine secretion.
- Specific B cell populations, termed regulatory B cells (Breg), exhibit significant suppressive functions.
Conclusions:
- Regulatory B cells represent a critical component of immune homeostasis and resolution.
- Further research into Breg cell ontogeny and lineage is essential for understanding their full immunomodulatory potential.
Related Concept Videos
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
01:28Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...