Antigen presentation by B lymphocytes to CD4+ T lymphocytes in vivo: importance for B lymphocyte and T lymphocyte activation

Semin Immunol. 1992 Aug;4(4):247-55.

Abstract

B lymphocytes, like macrophages and dendritic cells, can present antigen to CD4+ T cells. Antigen presentation by B cells is essential for the generation of an in vivo T cell dependent antibody response, and repeated antigen presentation by B cells to T cells is necessary to induce B cell clonal expansion. Presentation of antigen by resting B cells to unprimed T cells tolerizes T cells, while anti-IgD antibody activates B cells and allows B cell antigen presentation that productively activates T cells. However, activation is not all that is required for B cells to productively present antigen to T cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / immunology
  • Antibody Formation
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Immunoglobulin D / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Lymphocyte Cooperation*
  • Mice

Substances

  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Immunoglobulin D
  • Immunoglobulin G