Document Detail


The germinal center reaction.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21050940     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The germinal center (GC) reaction is the basis of T-dependent humoral immunity against foreign pathogens and the ultimate expression of the adaptive immune response. GCs represent a unique collaboration between proliferating antigen-specific B cells, T follicular helper cells, and the specialized follicular dendritic cells that constitutively occupy the central follicular zones of secondary lymphoid organs. The primary function of GCs is to produce the high-affinity antibody-secreting plasma cells and memory B cells that ensure sustained immune protection and rapid recall responses against previously encountered foreign antigens. However, the process of somatic mutation of antibody variable region genes that underpins GC function also carries significant risks in the form of unintended oncogenic mutations and generation of potentially pathogenic autoantibody specificities. Here we review the current knowledge on the recruitment, selection, and differentiation of B cells during GC responses and the implication of defects in GC physiology for autoimmune, inflammatory, and malignant diseases. Recent advances in documenting cellular movement within GCs and some of the key migratory signals responsible for GC formation are also discussed.
Authors:
Dominique Gatto; Robert Brink
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology     Volume:  126     ISSN:  1097-6825     ISO Abbreviation:  J. Allergy Clin. Immunol.     Publication Date:  2010 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-11-05     Completed Date:  2010-12-10     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  1275002     Medline TA:  J Allergy Clin Immunol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  898-907; quiz 908-9     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2010 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Garvan Institute of Medical Research and St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, Australia.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
B-Lymphocytes / cytology*,  immunology*
Cell Differentiation / immunology
Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / immunology
Germinal Center / immunology*
Humans
Lymphocyte Activation / immunology

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