Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice
Published on: September 19, 2016
B cells and iBALT in TB immunity & pathogenesis
Taru S Dutt1, Robert Krause2, David Hertz3
1Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
B cells and inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT) are critical for tuberculosis immunity. Sex differences in iBALT formation impact TB outcomes, suggesting new avenues for vaccine development and immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- B cells are vital for immunity but their role in tuberculosis (TB) remains understudied.
- Emerging evidence indicates B cells actively modulate immune responses during TB infection.
- Inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT), a lung tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS), is formed by B cells and enhances local immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of B cells in tuberculosis immunity.
- To highlight the significance of iBALT in lung immune responses during TB.
- To explore the influence of sex differences in iBALT formation on TB immunity and potential therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing findings from TB and non-TB models.
- Analysis of B cell functions beyond classical antibody production.
- Examination of iBALT formation and its role in B-T cell interactions.
Main Results:
- B cells contribute to iBALT formation, a key site for localized immune responses in the lungs.
- iBALT facilitates B-T cell interactions and the generation of high-affinity antibodies.
- Sex-based variations in iBALT formation appear to influence TB immunity.
Conclusions:
- B cells and iBALT play a more significant role in TB immunity than previously recognized.
- Understanding B cell dynamics and iBALT formation is crucial for developing effective TB vaccines.
- Targeting B cell functions and iBALT could offer novel immunotherapy approaches for tuberculosis.
More Related Videos
09:34An Automated Culture System for Use in Preclinical Testing of Host-Directed Therapies for Tuberculosis
Published on: August 16, 2021
15:57Application of Long-term cultured Interferon-γ Enzyme-linked Immunospot Assay for Assessing Effector and Memory T Cell Responses in Cattle
Published on: July 11, 2015
Related Concept Videos
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
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...
01:36Humoral Immune Responses
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
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,...