Microbial sensors in the B lymphocyte response

B cells are antigen-specific phagocytes. They encounter their antigen in complex with other molecules such as those that reveal its microbial origin. To date, we know many details about the signaling events following antigen binding to the BCR. However, we know very little about the co-stimulatory receptors activated during endocytosis of the particulate antigen.

Among these receptors are nucleic acid-sensing Toll-like receptors (TLR). They fine-tune the response initiated by the BCR and contribute to both proinflammatory and tolerogenic B cell responses. The molecular decision making process at this crossroad is, however, unclear. It has been speculated that TLR-mediated effector function might depend on the cellular differentiation stage. In this case, TLR activation at an early stage would favor antigen presentation and production of neutralizing antibodies while in the course of terminal differentiation B cell-derived IL-10 and other factors counteract the ongoing immune response to prevent excess inflammation. Any deviation from this process will favor allergy or autoimmune disease or sustain the survival and/or immune escape of malignant B cells.

We are beginning to understand that the regulation of B cell responses strongly depends on the environmental context. For example, the same antigen might provoke very different responses in the liver and in blood. TLR signals contribute to T cell-dependent and T cell-independent B cell activation but they also have a strong impact on the accessory cells and, thus, the cellular environment. It is the purpose of the symposium to gather experts in the field and provide a discussion platform for researchers struggling with the different aspects of these questions.

PD Dr.Bekeredjian - Ding
Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Parasitologie ( IMMIP )
Universität Bonn
Sigmund - Freud - Str. 25
53105 Bonn

Tel.: +49 (0) 151 58233681 oder +49 (0) 176 83020029

Email: bekeredjian-ding@uni-bonn.de