JEM key proteins help promote memory B cell formation

Nov 1, 2020 /--- -- Signals from two key proteins are critical to the survival of our "immune memory," according to a new study published in the journal Of Animal Medicine by scientists at the Francis Crick Institute.
B cells are long-lived cells that give immune memory by providing a fast and powerful antibody response to infections we have previously been exposed to.
their long life is the key to protecting us from infection for long periods of time, sometimes for a lifetime.
, however, little is understood about how these cells survive.
(Photo: www.pixabay.com) studied the survival of immune cells in mice in great detail.
use a technique called induced genetic knock-out, which produces memory B-cell populations and then removes specific target proteins to understand their role in keeping cells alive.
they found that two cell surface proteins called BCR and BAFFR, as well as signals from these proteins, were critical to remembering the survival of B cells.
when these proteins are removed or closed experimentally, the secondary immune response to model antigens or viral infections is impaired.
these key proteins, immune memory is impaired and the immune system is unable to recall and respond to previous infections. "The survival requirements for memory B cells that we have identified are very similar to those for infant B cells that are not yet exposed to antigens," said
first author and visiting scientist Jennifer Müller-Winkler, first author and visiting scientist of immunocytocyte biology.
means that two types of immune cells may compete for the same survival signals, and may explain why we have also found key survival bits for memory B cells in the spleen and bone marrow.
understanding of immune cell survival may help in the development of future vaccines and the treatment of immune system diseases, such as autoimmunity.
the whole world is waiting to know how long the immunity to SARS-CoV-2 will last and how effective the vaccine may be, it is clear that more is needed to determine the life span of immune memory," he said.
lead author and team leader of Crick's Immunocell Biology Laboratory, said.
study focused on several key proteins, and there may be many other factors that affect the duration of our immune memory.
as we learn more about this memory, we can better provide information for the design and production of vaccines and treatments for a variety of infections.
Bioon.com Source: Scientists reveal proteins essential for memory B cell survival Source: Jennifer Müller-Winkler et al. Critical requirement for BCR, BAFF, and BAFFR in memory B cell survival, Journal of Experiment Medicine (2020). DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191393