Antibody Fc: Chapter 6. B Cells: Development, Differentiation, and Regulation by Fcγ Receptor IIB in the Humoral Immune Response

Antibody Fc: Chapter 6. B Cells: Development, Differentiation, and Regulation by Fcγ Receptor IIB in the Humoral Immune Response
ISBN-10
0128060271
ISBN-13
9780128060278
Series
Antibody Fc
Category
Medical
Pages
358
Language
English
Published
2013-08-06
Publisher
Elsevier Inc. Chapters
Authors
Elizabeth R. Walsh, Silvia Bolland

Description

Because of the ever-increasing number of pathogenic organisms and their rapid mutation rates, the humoral immune system must have the ability to adapt and change along with evolving pathogens. The ability to rearrange germline antibody receptors during B-cell development and then modify these receptors in germinal centers is a means of ensuring that the antibody repertoire diversifies to be able to expunge a broad range of pathogens. However, the randomness of the mechanisms involved in diversifying the antibody repertoire can also generate specificities that attack the host. Because of this, strict regulation of B-cell development and activation is utilized to maintain humoral self tolerance. In this chapter, we broadly overview B-cell biology and the mechanisms used to introduce diversity into the antibody repertoire. We also discuss checkpoints that occur during development that ensure maintenance of self-tolerance. Finally, we discuss the special role that the inhibitory Fc receptor, FcγRIIB, plays in maintaining humoral tolerance.

Other editions

Similar books