Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

The Isolation, Differentiation, and Quantification of Human Antibody-secreting B Cells from Blood: ELISpot as a Functional Readout of Humoral Immunity
08:26

The Isolation, Differentiation, and Quantification of Human Antibody-secreting B Cells from Blood: ELISpot as a Functional Readout of Humoral Immunity

Published on: December 14, 2016

Functionally Distinct Subpopulations of CpG-Activated Memory B Cells

Alicia D Henn, Michael Laski, Hongmei Yang

    Scientific Reports
    |April 3, 2012
    PubMed

    Insights

    Human B cells (Bc) differentiate into subpopulations during recall responses. Proliferating CD27(lo) Bc cells are a transient pre-plasmablast population involved in receptor editing, not alternative functions.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Cell Biology
    • Molecular Biology

    Background:

    • Human B cell (Bc) recall responses involve rapid cell division, generating diverse Bc subpopulations.
    • TLR-9 agonist CpG and cytokines activate Bc in vitro, increasing CD27 surface expression in a subset.
    • CD27 expression distinguishes Bc subpopulations with potentially different functions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the functional roles of proliferating CD27(lo) and CD27(hi) Bc subpopulations.
    • To determine if CD27(lo) Bc cells provide alternative functions like cytokine secretion or antigen presentation.
    • To elucidate the gene regulatory networks governing Bc differentiation into CD27(lo) and CD27(hi) states.

    Main Methods:

    • Genome-wide transcriptional analysis (RNA-seq) was performed.
    • CpG-activated human B cells were sorted into undivided, proliferating CD27(lo), and proliferating CD27(hi) subpopulations.
    • Transcriptome data was analyzed to identify gene expression patterns and regulatory networks.

    Main Results:

    • CD27(lo) Bc cells express genes associated with B cell receptor editing, indicating a transient pre-plasmablast state.
    • CD27(hi) Bc cells are likely committed to antibody-secreting cell (ASC) differentiation.
    • Undivided Bc cells exhibit transcriptional programs for non-ASC functions, including cytokine secretion and costimulation, linking innate and adaptive immunity.

    Conclusions:

    • The CD27(lo) Bc subpopulation represents a transient stage in plasmablast differentiation, primarily involved in receptor editing.
    • Undivided B cells maintain functions distinct from antibody secretion, potentially bridging innate and adaptive immune responses.
    • Gene expression patterns reveal a regulatory network governing the differentiation pathways of CD27(lo) and CD27(hi) B cells.

    More Related Videos

    In Vitro Differentiation Model of Human Normal Memory B Cells to Long-lived Plasma Cells10:26

    In Vitro Differentiation Model of Human Normal Memory B Cells to Long-lived Plasma Cells

    Published on: January 20, 2019

    Mouse Naïve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets07:12

    Mouse Naïve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets

    Published on: April 16, 2015

    Related Concept Videos

    T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

    T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

    T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
    Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
    B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

    B Cell Activation and Differentiation

    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.
    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...
    Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response01:23

    Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response

    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...
    Special Features of Adaptive Immunity01:20

    Special Features of Adaptive Immunity

    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,...
    T Cell Types and Functions01:24

    T Cell Types and Functions

    When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
    Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
    Diversity of Antigen Receptors01:28

    Diversity of Antigen Receptors

    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.
    Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...