The contribution of B cells to transplantation tolerance
Luis Graca
Luis Graca
Published May 26, 2020
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2020;130(7):3406-3408. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI138122.
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The contribution of B cells to transplantation tolerance

Abstract

Since it was shown in the early 1950s that it is possible to induce transplantation tolerance in neonates, immune tolerance strategies have been actively pursued. It was found that T cells play a critical role in graft rejection, but can also be major players in mediating transplantation tolerance. Consequently, many experimental systems focused on T cells, often with a complete exclusion of B cells from in vivo animal models. It is now becoming clear that in addition to T cells, B cells can mediate graft rejection and transplantation tolerance. In this issue of the JCI, Khiew et al. investigated the contribution of alloreactive B cells to transplantation tolerance using a mouse cardiac transplantation model. The authors revealed a distinct tolerant B cell phenotype possessing the ability to suppress naive B cells. These data lead to a better understanding of B cell contributions to transplantation tolerance, and may inform the development of future immune tolerance protocols.

Authors

Luis Graca

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Figure 1

The impact of transplantation tolerance on T and B cell populations.

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The impact of transplantation tolerance on T and B cell populations. (A)...
(A) In murine heart transplantation, treatment with anti-CD154 antibody and donor spleen cells (costimulation blockade) at the time of transplantation leads to donor-specific tolerance. The antigen-specific tolerance is a consequence of changes in T and B cell populations. (B) Many donor-specific T cells are deleted. Other T cells acquire regulatory function (Treg) endowing them with the ability to suppress remaining donor-specific T cells (Teff). (C) B cells are mainly converted into a tolerant phenotype (Tol-B), distinct from what has been described for regulatory B (Breg) cells. Unlike Breg cells, Tol-B cells do not directly suppress T cells. However, Tol-B cells can effectively suppress other B cells sharing the same donor-antigen specificity. Overall, changes in donor-specific T and B cell populations allow suppression of immune responses targeting the donor antigens, without preventing protective immune responses against unrelated antigens. DC, dendritic cell.