title: Novel functions of B cells in transplantation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This manuscript reviews current knowledge and recent findings regarding antibody-independent functions of B cells in transplantation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Until recently the functions of B cells in transplantation have been attributed almost entirely to the antibodies they produce. However, the results of recent trials of B-cell-depleting agents for treatment of antibody-mediated rejection as well as auto-immune disease raised awareness that B cells mediate functions independent of antibody synthesis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These 'nonclassical' functions place B cells at the center of immune regulation with the power to enhance or inhibit immunity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Platt
authors.forename: Shoichiro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tsuji
authors.forename: Marilia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cascalho
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000276:immunology; D014181:Transplantation Immunology
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies