title: B cell-helping functions of gut microbial metabolites.
abstract: Commensal microflora profoundly affects the host immune system. It has long been observed that commensal bacteria enhance antibody production in the host by producing antigens for B cell receptors (BCR) and ligands for Toll-like receptors (TLR). We recently reported that the microbial metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) regulate the metabolism and gene expression in B cells to promote antibody production (Kimet al. Gut Microbial Metabolites Fuel Host Antibody Responses.Cell Host & Microbe. 2016; 20(2):202-14). The B-cell helping function of SCFAs and its implication in the host immune system are discussed in this article.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Immunology and Hematopoiesis, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A. ; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A. ; Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A. ; Purdue Center for Cancer Research; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Chang H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: B cells; acetate; antibodies; butyrate; commensal bacteria; dietary fiber; immunity; propionate; short-chain fatty acids