title: Role of B cells and antibodies in acquired immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
abstract: Accumulating evidence has documented a role for B cells and antibodies (Abs) in the immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Passive transfer studies with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against mycobacterial antigens have shown protection against the tubercle bacillus. B cells and Abs are believed to contribute to an enhanced immune response against Mtb by modulating various immunological components in the infected host including the T-cell compartment. Nevertheless, the extent and contribution of B cells and Abs to protection against Mtb remains uncertain. In this article we summarize the most relevant findings supporting the role of B cells and Abs in the defense against Mtb and discuss the potential mechanisms of protection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461.
authors.forename: Jacqueline M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Achkar
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461 Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461 Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461.
authors.forename: Arturo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Casadevall
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000276:immunology*; D056724:Immunity, Humoral; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D032581:Tuberculosis Vaccines / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D032581:Tuberculosis Vaccines