Confounding B-cell defences: lessons from a staphylococcal superantigen

GJ Silverman, CS Goodyear - Nature Reviews Immunology, 2006 - nature.com
GJ Silverman, CS Goodyear
Nature Reviews Immunology, 2006nature.com
Studies of microbial superantigens that target large clonal sets of B cells through conserved
antigen-receptor-variable-region sites are providing new insights into the mechanisms of B-
cell activation-induced cell death. These investigations have shown differences between the
clonal regulation of follicular B cells (B2 cells) and the innate-like marginal-zone B cells and
B1 cells, and have also shown how B-cell superantigens can affect specialized host
defences against infection. Agents designed to emulate the properties of B-cell …
Abstract
Studies of microbial superantigens that target large clonal sets of B cells through conserved antigen-receptor-variable-region sites are providing new insights into the mechanisms of B-cell activation-induced cell death. These investigations have shown differences between the clonal regulation of follicular B cells (B2 cells) and the innate-like marginal-zone B cells and B1 cells, and have also shown how B-cell superantigens can affect specialized host defences against infection. Agents designed to emulate the properties of B-cell superantigens might also provide new approaches for the treatment of B-cell-mediated autoimmune and neoplastic diseases.
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