title: From the regulatory functions of B cells to the identification of cytokine-producing plasma cell subsets.
abstract: B lymphocytes have a unique role as antibody-producing cells. Antibodies are key mediators of humoral immunity against infections, and are thought to account for the protection afforded by successful vaccines. B cells can also secrete cytokines and subsequently regulate immune responses mediated by T and innate cells. Remarkably, recent studies identified plasma blasts/plasma cells as the main types of activated B cells producing the cytokines interleukin (IL)-10, IL-35, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-17, and GM-CSF in various contexts in mice. Here, we discuss these observations, which suggest the existence of various subsets of plasma blast/plasma cells distinguishable through their cytokine expression pattern.
authors.affiliation: Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Chariteplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany.
authors.forename: Van Duc
authors.initials: VD
authors.lastname: Dang
authors.affiliation: Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Chariteplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany.
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hilgenberg
authors.affiliation: Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Chariteplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany.
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ries
authors.affiliation: Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Chariteplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany.
authors.forename: Ping
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.affiliation: Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Chariteplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany. Electronic address: fillatreau@drfz.de.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fillatreau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / Q000276:immunology; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II