| First Author | Goenka R | Year | 2014 |
| Journal | J Exp Med | Volume | 211 |
| Issue | 1 | Pages | 45-56 |
| PubMed ID | 24367004 | Mgi Jnum | J:208355 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5562968 | Doi | 10.1084/jem.20130505 |
| Citation | Goenka R, et al. (2014) Local BLyS production by T follicular cells mediates retention of high affinity B cells during affinity maturation. J Exp Med 211(1):45-56 |
| abstractText | We have assessed the role of B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and its receptors in the germinal center (GC) reaction and affinity maturation. Despite ample BLyS retention on B cells in follicular (FO) regions, the GC microenvironment lacks substantial BLyS. This reflects IL-21-mediated down-regulation of the BLyS receptor TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor) on GC B cells, thus limiting their capacity for BLyS binding and retention. Within the GC, FO helper T cells (TFH cells) provide a local source of BLyS. Whereas T cell-derived BLyS is dispensable for normal GC cellularity and somatic hypermutation, it is required for the efficient selection of high affinity GC B cell clones. These findings suggest that during affinity maturation, high affinity clones rely on TFH-derived BLyS for their persistence. |
