Immunity system complexity: a new function of B cells (Introduction)

by David Turell , Saturday, February 10, 2024, 20:20 (77 days ago) @ David Turell

Special new abilities found:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240208142446.htm

"Researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have discovered a previously unknown ability of a group of immune system cells, known as Atypical B cells (ABCs), to fight infectious diseases such as malaria.

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"'Although ABCs are known to contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmunity, we've discovered a previously unknown ability of these cells to fight disease. In this sense, ABCs are like a double-edged sword.

"'Contrary to past belief, ABCs are not junk cells; they are more important than we thought.
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"'Our research found that ABCs are also instrumental in developing T follicular helper cells. These helper cells generate powerful antibodies that help the body fight malaria parasites.

"'Antibodies can block parasites in the blood as they travel from the site of the infectious mosquito bite to the liver, where the infection is first established."

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"Using gene-editing technology on mice, the ANU researchers discovered a gene called Zeb2 is crucial to the production of ABCs.

"'We found that manipulating the Zeb2 gene disrupted the creation of ABCs in the immune system," study co-author Professor Ian Cockburn, from The ANU John Curtin School of Medical Research, said.

"'Importantly, we found that mice without the Zeb2 gene were unable to control malaria infection.

"'Therefore, the findings show that ABCs play a crucial role in fighting malaria infections."

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"'ABCs also appear in large numbers in many autoimmune diseases, including lupus, which can be life-threating in severe cases," Professor Cockburn said."

Comment: The immune system is very complex and leads to therapeutic manipulation possibilities.