Differentiation of germinal center B cells into plasma cells is initiated by high-affinity antigen and completed by Tfh cells.

ABSTRACT: Plasma cells (PCs) derived from germinal centers (GCs) secrete the high-affinity antibodies required for long-term serological immunity. Nevertheless, the process whereby GC B cells differentiate into PCs is uncharacterized, and the mechanism underlying the selective PC differentiation of only high-affinity GC B cells remains unknown. In this study, we show that differentiation into PCs is induced among a discrete subset of high-affinity B cells residing within the light zone of the GC. Initiation of differentiation required signals delivered upon engagement with intact antigen. Signals delivered by T follicular helper cells were not required to initiate differentiation but were essential to complete the differentiation process and drive migration of maturing PCs through the dark zone and

SUBMITTER: Krautler NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5413338 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature