title: B-cells get the T-cells but antibodies get the worms.
abstract: Two recent papers published in Immunity and Cell Host & Microbe underline the great importance of B cells and of antibodies (Abs) in orchestrating crucial T helper cell type 2 (Th2) protective immune responses to gastrointestinal nematodes. The findings in animal models now raise major questions as to how B cells and Abs carry out these functions in humans. Here we discuss recent technological advances in humanizing animal models at the level of both Abs and their Fc-receptors, that might provide some answers.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Genetics, and Parasite Biology and Immunogenetics Research Group, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK. richard.pleass@nottingham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Pleass
authors.forename: Jerzy M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Behnke
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000276:immunology; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology*; D057134:Antibodies, Neutralizing / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009351:Nematospiroides dubius / Q000276:immunology*; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000378:metabolism; D017206:Strongylida Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D057134:Antibodies, Neutralizing; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011961:Receptors, Fc