B cells: programmers of CD4 T cell responses

Barr, T.A., Gray, M. and Gray, D. (2012) B cells: programmers of CD4 T cell responses. Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets, 12(3), pp. 222-231. (doi: 10.2174/187152612800564446)

Abstract

B cells are once again gaining prominence as important programmers of CD4 T cell responses. With widespread use of B cell depletion therapy in the clinic, proving effective in treating diseases previously considered T cellmediated, the time is right for a re-appraisal of the B cell. Though typically considered weak, Th2 driving APC, it is now clear that they are necessary for a robust and long-lived CD4 T cell response in many settings. The sphere of B cell influence extends well beyond that of simply antibody production; antigen presentation, cytokine secretion, costimulation and development of lymphoid tissue architecture are all critical aspects of B cell immunobiology, the absence of which has serious impacts for T cell priming and memory. The aim of this review is to look at non-antibody mediated B cell function and to ask how, where and when do B cells influence the CD4 T cell response?

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Barr, Dr Tom
• Authors: Barr, T.A., Gray, M., and Gray, D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets
• ISSN: 1871-5265
• ISSN (Online): 2212-3989