Classification of B-cells according to their differentiation status, their micro-anatomical localisation and their developmental lineage

Abstract

B-lymphocytes or B-cells form a diverse and flexible repertoire of immune cells that are reactive to almost all potential pathogens by means of the production of antigen-specific immunoglobulins. They can be divided into different populations or subsets, characterised by a distinct combination of properties. These subsets are identified on the base of their differentiation status (precursor B-cells, peripheral B-cells), their localisation in the micro-anatomical compartments of the B-cell follicle (marginal zone B-cells, lymphocytic corona B-cells, follicle centre B-cells), and the developmental lineage to which they belong (B-1 cells, and B-2 or conventional B-cells). The latter classification of B-cells into B-1 cells and B-2 cells is commonly followed by immunologists, mainly in the study of mice models, while pathologists and haematologists tend to use a terminology for B-cells which refers to their localisation in the micro-anatomical compartments of the B-cell follicle and/or differentiation status. In this review, we will discuss the various subsets of B-cells and point to the similarities between the various classification systems in use.