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- Palm, Anna-Karin E., 1983-, et al.
(author)
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Marginal zone B cells : From housekeeping function to autoimmunity?
- 2021
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In: Journal of Autoimmunity. - : Elsevier. - 0896-8411 .- 1095-9157. ; 119
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Marginal zone (MZ) B cells comprise a subset of innate-like B cells found predominantly in the spleen, but also in lymph nodes and blood. Their principal functions are participation in quick responses to blood-borne pathogens and secretion of natural antibodies. The latter is important for housekeeping functions such as clearance of apoptotic cell debris. MZ B cells have B cell receptors with low poly-/self-reactivity, but they are not pathogenic at steady state. However, if simultaneously stimulated with self-antigen and pathogen- and/or damageassociated molecular patterns (PAMPs/DAMPs), MZ B cells may participate in the initial steps towards breakage of immunological tolerance. This review summarizes what is known about the role of MZ B cells in autoimmunity, both in mouse models and human disease. We cover factors important for shaping the MZ B cell compartment, how the functional properties of MZ B cells may contribute to breaking tolerance, and how MZ B cells are being regulated.
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