Crosstalk Between T and B Cells in the Germinal Center After Transplantation

Transplantation. 2017 Apr;101(4):704-712. doi: 10.1097/TP.0000000000001588.

Abstract

Crosstalk between B and T cells in transplantation is increasingly recognized as being important in the alloimmune response. T cell activation of B cells occurs by a 3-stage pathway, culminating with costimulation signals. We review the distinct T cell subtypes required for B-cell activation and discuss the formation of the germinal center (GC) after transplantation, with particular reference to the repopulation of the GC after depletional induction, and the subsequent effect of immunosuppressive manipulation of T cell-B cell interactions. In addition, ectopic GCs are seen in transplantation, but their role is not fully understood. Therapeutic options to target T cell-B cell interactions are of considerable interest, both as immunosuppressive tools, and to aid in the further understanding of these important alloimmune mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Communication* / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Germinal Center / drug effects
  • Germinal Center / immunology*
  • Germinal Center / metabolism
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kinetics
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Organ Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Transplantation Tolerance* / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Immunosuppressive Agents