In man and in mouse, B-cell maturation occurs in steps, first in the bone marrow from hematopoietic precursors to immature/transitional B cells, then in the periphery from transitional to fully mature B cells. Each developmental step is tightly controlled by the expression and function of the B-cell receptor (BCR) and by the ability to interact with the microenvironment. Mature B cells collaborate with T cells in the adaptive immune response, leading to the production of high-affinity antibodies. This response is very accurate, but slow. Immediately after pathogen entry, however, antibodies already present in the serum reinforce the innate immune response and contribute to the first-line defense against infection. Low-affinity natural antibodies are produced by B-1a B cells in the mouse and immunoglobulin M (IgM) memory cells in man. These antibodies represent an immediate protection against all microorganisms and the only one against encapsulated bacteria. B-1a and IgM memory B cells may function as a link between the innate and adaptive immune response and thus perform a primordial B-cell function.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.