B cell control in the immune system: review article

B cell control mechanisms

Department of Immunology researchers have published an article reviewing the control of B cells by a group of proteins called TNF superfamily proteins. These proteins trigger necessary signals that activate or regulate the various protective functions of B cells in the immune system, and they are important to understand because B cell pathologies including some cancers or autoimmunity can occur when these functions are disrupted.
Inhibitors of TNF superfamily proteins have also been tested in the clinic, with some becoming successful approved treatments, highlighting the potential for research in this area to lead to new treatments.
Reference: Figgett WA, et al. Roles of ligands from the TNF superfamily in B cell development, function, and regulation. Seminars in Immunology (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smim.2014.06.001