Regulatory B cells as inhibitors of immune responses and inflammation

Immunol Rev. 2008 Aug:224:201-14. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-065X.2008.00661.x.

Abstract

B cells positively regulate immune responses through antibody production and optimal CD4(+) T-cell activation. However, a specific and functionally important subset of B cells can also negatively regulate immune responses in mouse autoimmunity and inflammation models. The lack or loss of regulatory B cells has been demonstrated by exacerbated symptoms in experimental autoimmune encephalitis, chronic colitis, contact hypersensitivity, collagen-induced arthritis, and non-obese diabetic mouse models. Accumulating evidence suggests that B cells exert their regulatory role through the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) by either B-1, marginal zone (MZ), or transitional 2-MZ precursor B-cell subsets. We have recently found that IL-10-producing regulatory B cells predominantly localize within a rare CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B-cell subset that shares cell surface markers with both B-1 and MZ B cells. We have labeled this specific subset of regulatory B cells as B10 cells to highlight that these rare CD1d(hi)CD5(+) B cells only produce IL-10 and are responsible for most IL-10 production by B cells and to distinguish them from other regulatory B-cell subsets that may also exist. This review focuses on the recent progress in this field and the exciting opportunities for understanding how this unique B-cell subset influences diverse immune functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD1 / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, CD1 / genetics
  • Antigens, CD1 / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • CD5 Antigens / biosynthesis
  • CD5 Antigens / genetics
  • CD5 Antigens / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology
  • Interleukin-10 / metabolism*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Mice

Substances

  • Antigens, CD1
  • CD5 Antigens
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Interleukin-10