The immunology of B-1 cells: from development to aging
Matheus Silvério Mattos1, Sofie Vandendriessche1, Ari Waisman2
1Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Louvain, Belgium.
Abstract:
B-1 cells have intricate biology, with distinct function, phenotype and developmental origin from conventional B cells. They generate a B cell receptor with conserved germline characteristics and biased V(D)J recombination, allowing this innate-like lymphocyte to spontaneously produce self-reactive natural antibodies (NAbs) and become activated by immune stimuli in a T cell-independent manner. NAbs were suggested as "rheostats" for the chronic diseases in advanced age. In fact, age-dependent loss of function of NAbs has been associated with clinically-relevant diseases in the elderly, such as atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we analyzed comprehensively the ontogeny, phenotypic characteristics, functional properties and emerging roles of B-1 cells and NAbs in health and disease. Additionally, after navigating through the complexities of B-1 cell biology from development to aging, therapeutic opportunities in the field are discussed.
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