The regulatory roles of B cell subsets in transplantation

ABSTRACT

Introduction: B cells mediate allograft rejection through antigen presentation, and production of cytokines and antibodies. More and more immunosuppressive agents specifically targeting B cells and plasma cells have been applied in clinical transplantation. However, recent studies have indicated the regulatory roles of B cells. Therefore, it is vital to clarify the different effects of B cell subsets in organ transplantation so that we can completely understand the diverse functions of B cells in transplantation.

Areas covered: This review focuses on the regulatory roles of B cells in transplantation. B cell subsets with immune modulation and factors mediating immunosuppressive functions of regulatory B (Breg) cells were analyzed. Therapies targeting B cells and the application of B cells for transplant tolerance induction were discussed.

Expert commentary: Besides involving rejection, B cells could also play regulatory roles in transplantation. Breg cells and the related markers may be used to predict the immune tolerant state in transplant recipients. New therapeutic strategies targeting B cells should be explored to promote tolerance induction with less impact on the host’s protective immunity in organ transplanted patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Antibodies
• B cells
• graft rejection
• immune tolerance
• regulatory B cells

Acknowledgment

We appreciated Dr Matthew S Mitchell for his careful editing our manuscript.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China for General and Key Programs (81530049, 31470860, Y.Z.), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFA0105002, 2017YFA0104402, Y.Z.), Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA04020202-19, Y.Z.), and the China Manned Space Flight Technology Project (TZ-1, Y.Z.).