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Abstract
B lineage lymphocytes (B cells) produce exquisitely specific and long-lasting antibodies that recognize a broad and ever-changing array of foreign antigens and microbial pathogens. Perturbations in B-cell development maturation lead to specific immune disturbances. Certain features intrinsic to fetal and neonatal B cells contribute to what has been called the relative immunodeficiency of infancy. Although the primary function of B lineage cells is to produce antibodies for host defense, emerging data show that B cells are key activators and regulators of the immune response.
- BCR;
- B-cell antigen receptor
- CDR-H3;
- third complementarity-determining region
- DC;
- dendritic cell
- MZ;
- marginal zone
- sIgM;
- surface immunoglobulin M
- TdT;
- terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase
- Copyright © 2013 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
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In this issue
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- Article
- Abstract
- Educational Gaps
- Objectives
- Overview of B Cells in Adaptive Immunity
- What Characterizes B Cells?
- How Do B Cells Develop?
- What Happens When B-Cell Development Goes Awry?
- Development of the B-Cell Receptor Repertoire
- Immunoglobulin Repertoire
- Serum Immunoglobulin Concentrations
- Fetal and Neonatal Adaptive Immune Function
- Practical Implications of an Immature Immune Response
- B-Cell Functions in Addition to Antibody Production
- What Are the Roles of Other B-Cell Subpopulations?
- Summary
- Footnotes
- References
- Figures & Data
- Info & Metrics
- Comments
- Quiz
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