Regulatory B lymphocytes: development and modulation of the host immune response during disease

The role of B lymphocytes (B cells) in immunogenic responses has become increasingly important over the past decade, focusing on a new B-cell subtype: regulatory B-cells (B_regs). These B_regs have been shown to possess potent immunosuppressive activities and have identified as key players in disease control and immune tolerance. In this review, the occurrence of B_reg type in various conditions, along with evidence supporting discovered functions and proposed purposes will be explored. An example of such regulatory functions includes the induction or suppression of various T lymphocyte phenotypes in response to a particular stimulus. Should B_regs prove effective in mediating immune responses, and correlate with favorable disease outcome, they may serve as a novel therapeutic to combat disease and prevent infection. However, the induction, function and stability of these cells remain unclear and further investigation is needed to better understand their role and therapeutic efficacy.