The activation of the adaptive immune system: cross-talk between antigen-presenting cells, T cells and B cells

Immunol Lett. 2014 Dec;162(2 Pt B):103-12. doi: 10.1016/j.imlet.2014.10.011. Epub 2014 Oct 16.

Abstract

The adaptive immune system consists of T and B cells that express clonally distributed antigen receptors. To achieve functional adaptive immune responses, antigen-specific T cell populations are stimulated by professional antigen-presenting cells like dendritic cells (DCs), which provide crucial stimulatory signals for efficient expansion and development of effector functions. Antigen-specific B cells receive costimulatory signals from helper T cells to stimulate affinity maturation and isotype switching. Here we elaborate on the interactions between DCs, T cells and B cells, and on the important signals for efficient induction of adaptive immune responses.

Keywords: B cells; Costimulation; Dendritic cells; T cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity / physiology*
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Communication / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / cytology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Class Switching / physiology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*