The contributions of B cells to adaptive immunity are well known. Less well understood are B cell contributions to innate immunity. It is, however, well established that certain B cell responses have innate properties. Even though Ig genes encoded by innate B cells result from V(D)J rearrangement like their adaptive counterparts, the BCRs encoded by innate B cells are less diverse, owing to limited VH usage and less junctional diversity owing to the lack of TdT random nucleotide addition. This topic will discuss antibody-dependent and antibody-independent functions of B cells that contribute to innate immunity.
In this issue we will review how B cells of embryonic origin (B1 B cells) contribute to health through the production of “natural antibodies”. Natural antibodies are defined by their poly-reactivity and by the antigens that they bind, including dsDNA, sugar modifications of macromolecules, phosphorylcholine and oxidized lipids produced by damaged cells. We will review research in support of protective and/or pathogenic properties of natural antibodies in health and disease and discuss mechanisms contributing to their function, including complement regulation. We will consider how innate immune functions of B cells contribute to atherosclerosis, transplantation, host defense and auto-immunity. We will discuss genetic polymorphisms that perturb or modify B cell innate immune functions and how genetic polymorphisms that limit IgA production in the gut may be adaptive under some circumstances, but not others.
The scope of the Research Topic is to broadly understand how B cells control innate immunity and in doing so, mediate adaptive immunity. The manuscripts can be of any format, Review, Perspective, Hypothesis and Theory or Original Research articles. The subjects may include, but are not limited to:
• Cellular origins of innate B cells contrasting the properties of innate B cells with those of adaptive B cells
• Properties of antibodies produced by innate immune cells systemically
• Properties of antibodies produced at the mucosal surfaces
• Discussion of the protective and pathogenic functions of innate immune cells
• Examining primary immune-deficiencies to understand the importance of innate B cell functions to health and disease
The contributions of B cells to adaptive immunity are well known. Less well understood are B cell contributions to innate immunity. It is, however, well established that certain B cell responses have innate properties. Even though Ig genes encoded by innate B cells result from V(D)J rearrangement like their adaptive counterparts, the BCRs encoded by innate B cells are less diverse, owing to limited VH usage and less junctional diversity owing to the lack of TdT random nucleotide addition. This topic will discuss antibody-dependent and antibody-independent functions of B cells that contribute to innate immunity.
In this issue we will review how B cells of embryonic origin (B1 B cells) contribute to health through the production of “natural antibodies”. Natural antibodies are defined by their poly-reactivity and by the antigens that they bind, including dsDNA, sugar modifications of macromolecules, phosphorylcholine and oxidized lipids produced by damaged cells. We will review research in support of protective and/or pathogenic properties of natural antibodies in health and disease and discuss mechanisms contributing to their function, including complement regulation. We will consider how innate immune functions of B cells contribute to atherosclerosis, transplantation, host defense and auto-immunity. We will discuss genetic polymorphisms that perturb or modify B cell innate immune functions and how genetic polymorphisms that limit IgA production in the gut may be adaptive under some circumstances, but not others.
The scope of the Research Topic is to broadly understand how B cells control innate immunity and in doing so, mediate adaptive immunity. The manuscripts can be of any format, Review, Perspective, Hypothesis and Theory or Original Research articles. The subjects may include, but are not limited to:
• Cellular origins of innate B cells contrasting the properties of innate B cells with those of adaptive B cells
• Properties of antibodies produced by innate immune cells systemically
• Properties of antibodies produced at the mucosal surfaces
• Discussion of the protective and pathogenic functions of innate immune cells
• Examining primary immune-deficiencies to understand the importance of innate B cell functions to health and disease
