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Published on: June 27, 2020
Signals that drive T-bet expression in B cells
Arpita Myles1, Patricia J Gearhart2, Michael P Cancro1
1Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
T-bet, a transcription factor, is linked to age-associated B cells (ABCs), autoimmunity, and infections. Its regulation involves cytokines and innate receptors, suggesting dual roles in immunity and disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Transcription factors are crucial for B cell development and function.
- T-bet is a transcription factor associated with Age-associated B cells (ABCs), autoimmunity, and viral infections.
- T-bet expression is influenced by nucleic acid antigens, immune complexes, and cytokines like IL-21, IL-4, and IFNγ.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulation and functional role of the transcription factor T-bet in B cells.
- To understand the interplay of adaptive and innate signals in T-bet induction.
- To explore the dichotomous roles of T-bet+ B cells in autoimmunity and microbial immunity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of T-bet expression in B cells.
- Investigating the role of cytokines (IL-21, IL-4, IFNγ) in T-bet regulation.
- Examining the synergistic effects of adaptive and innate signals on T-bet induction.
Main Results:
- T-bet expression is favored by nucleic acid-containing antigens and immune complexes.
- Cytokine interplay, particularly TFH cytokines, regulates T-bet.
- Adaptive signals synergize with innate receptors to induce T-bet.
- T-bet promotes class switching to IgG2a/c.
Conclusions:
- T-bet plays a complex role in B cell immunity.
- T-bet+ B cells may promote autoimmunity through autoreactive antibodies.
- T-bet+ B cells may also mediate microbial immunity.
- T-bet is a potential target for therapeutic and prophylactic interventions in immune-related diseases.
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