Marginal zone B cells in lymphocyte activation and regulation

Curr Opin Immunol. 2005 Jun;17(3):244-50. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2005.04.009.

Abstract

Marginal zone (MZ) B cells, together with other strategically located innate cells, constitute the first line of defense against blood-borne microorganisms, viruses and toxins in the spleen. Their fast and efficient protective antibody responses are well characterized; however, much less is known of their interactions with other cell types during immune responses. Recent work has demonstrated that MZ B cells can directly activate T cells; and MZ B cells also interact with other antigen presenting cells, transporting and concentrating antigen during the course of T-dependent and T-independent immune responses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Spleen / blood supply
  • Spleen / cytology*
  • Spleen / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*