title: Antibody-independent functions of B cells: a focus on cytokines.
abstract: Cytokine production by B cells is important for multiple aspects of immunity. B cell-derived cytokines, including lymphotoxin, are essential for the ontogenesis, homeostasis and activation of secondary lymphoid organs, as well as for the development of tertiary lymphoid tissues at ectopic sites. Other B cell-derived cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor, influence the development of effector and memory CD4(+) T cell responses. Finally, B cells can regulate inflammatory immune responses, primarily through their provision of IL-10 and IL-35. This Review summarizes these various roles of cytokine-producing B cells in immunity and discusses the rational for targeting these cells in the clinic.
authors.affiliation: Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Ping
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.affiliation: Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fillatreau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology; D007109:Immunity / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines