B cells in renal transplantation: pathological aspects and therapeutic interventions.
B cells are vital in renal transplantation. B2 cells are part of the adaptive immune system. Activated B cells mature into plasma cells or memory B cells: their life spans can be prolonged by niches. B cells have a wide variety of functions: antibody production, antigen presentation, cytokine production and shaping of the splenic architecture. These functions play a vital role in graft rejection, both T cell-mediated rejection and antibody-mediated rejection. Markers of B cell activity include intragraft B cell infiltration, C4d deposition and circulating donor-specific antibodies. Many therapeutic options target B cells or plasma cells. As greater understanding is gained of their appropriate use, and new agents are developed, we should see prolonged graft survival and reduced graft rejection.
Renal, Urology and Transplantation Directorate, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK.
Nicholas
N
Barnett
Anthony
A
Dorling
Nizam
N
Mamode
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*