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Apoptosis and the B cell response to antigen
1Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, P.O. Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia. tarlinton@wehi.edu.au
International Reviews of Immunology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is crucial for B cell responses to antigens. This review details how cell death regulates antibody-producing cell foci and germinal centers, ensuring effective immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- B cell differentiation involves extrafollicular foci and follicular germinal centers.
- Both pathways involve programmed cell death (apoptosis) for regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent experiments on the role of apoptosis in B cell responses.
- To elucidate the function of specific apoptosis forms in B cell differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent experimental findings.
- Analysis of apoptosis in B cell differentiation pathways.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis regulates the involution of antibody-forming cell foci.
- Cell death is essential for germinal center regulation, selection, and resolution.
- Specific forms of apoptosis play defined roles in the B cell immune response.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis is a critical regulatory mechanism in both primary B cell differentiation pathways.
- Understanding apoptosis in B cells is key to comprehending adaptive immunity.