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Related Concept Videos

B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

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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.
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Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response01:23

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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...
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Special Features of Adaptive Immunity01:20

Special Features of Adaptive Immunity

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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,...
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Diversity of Antigen Receptors01:28

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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.
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Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

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An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
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Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens01:31

Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens

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The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Flow Cytometric Characterization of Murine B Cell Development
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Human Atypical B Cells. An Overview.

Iñaki Sanz1

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Immunological Reviews
|September 19, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The term "atypical B cells" (AtB) is outdated. Research shows these cells are a normal part of human immune responses, not a sign of disease. Precise functional studies are needed for accurate classification.

Keywords:
B cellsautoimmunitycell activationcell lineages and subsetsimmune‐mediated diseasesinfectious diseasesmoleculessystemic lupus erythematosusviral

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Atypical B cells (AtB) are defined by markers like low CD27 and CD21, or CD11c/T-bet expression.
  • These cells are implicated in infections and autoimmune diseases, leading to their prominence in research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the current classification and terminology of atypical B cells.
  • To argue for the obsolescence of the AtB label and advocate for more precise classifications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature and studies on B cell subsets.
  • Analysis of marker expression patterns and functional data related to AtB cells.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests that cells labeled as AtB are a normal component of human immune responses.
  • The nature and function of these B cell subsets are context-dependent and vary with specific immune responses.

Conclusions:

  • The term 'atypical B cells' is obsolete and should be abandoned.
  • Future research should focus on specific functional studies rather than historical classifications for precise understanding.