Identification of IFN-γ-producing innate B cells.

ABSTRACT: Although B cells play important roles in the humoral immune response and the regulation of adaptive immunity, B cell subpopulations with unique phenotypes, particularly those with non-classical immune functions, should be further investigated. By challenging mice with Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, vesicular stomatitis virus and Toll-like receptor ligands, we identified an inducible CD11a(hi)FcγRIII(hi) B cell subpopulation that is significantly expanded and produces high levels of IFN-γ during the early stage of the immune response. This subpopulation of B cells can promote macrophage activation via generating IFN-γ, thereby facilitating the innate immune response against intracellular bacterial infection. As this new subpopulation is of B cell origin and exhibits the phenotypi

SUBMITTER: Bao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3915900 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature