PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This manuscript reviews current knowledge and recent findings regarding antibody-independent functions of B cells in transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS: Until recently the functions of B cells in transplantation have been attributed almost entirely to the antibodies they produce. However, the results of recent trials of B-cell-depleting agents for treatment of antibody-mediated rejection as well as auto-immune disease raised awareness that B cells mediate functions independent of antibody synthesis. SUMMARY: These 'nonclassical' functions place B cells at the center of immune regulation with the power to enhance or inhibit immunity.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This manuscript reviews current knowledge and recent findings regarding antibody-independent functions of B cells in transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS: Until recently the functions of B cells in transplantation have been attributed almost entirely to the antibodies they produce. However, the results of recent trials of B-cell-depleting agents for treatment of antibody-mediated rejection as well as auto-immune disease raised awareness that B cells mediate functions independent of antibody synthesis. SUMMARY: These 'nonclassical' functions place B cells at the center of immune regulation with the power to enhance or inhibit immunity.
Authors: B A Wasowska; Z Qian; D L Cangello; E Behrens; K Van Tran; J Layton; F Sanfilippo; W M Baldwin Journal: Transplantation Date: 2001-03-27 Impact factor: 4.939