Apoptosis and the B Cell Response to Antigen

Abstract

The primary B cell response to T cell dependent antigens comprises two pathways of differentiation; one resulting in formation of foci of antibody forming cells in the extrafollicular regions of secondary lymphoid organs and the other giving rise to germinal centers within the follicles. Foci of antibody forming cells are detectable for only a limited time, before involuting due to apoptosis of the plasma cells. Similarly in the germinal center, regulation of cell number, selection of high affinity variants generated by somatic hypermutation, and the resolution of the germinal center itself all involve the death of unwanted B cells. In this review, we describe recent experiments which have allowed determination of the role of certain forms of apoptosis in the B cell response to antigen.

Key Words:

• B cell memory
• Bcl-2
• Fas
• Immune response