B-Cell Deficiency and Infection: Exploring Humoral Immunity's Protective Mechanisms

Infectious complications in patients with B-cell alymphocytosis represent a critical area of research within immunology and infectious diseases. B-cells are integral to the immune system, not only through antibody production but also by acting as antigen-presenting cells and cytokine producers. Patients with significantly reduced or absent B-cells, such as those with agammaglobulinemia, Good’s syndrome, activated PI3K Delta Syndrome (APDS), or those who have undergone B-cell-depleting therapies, are notably susceptible to infections, including atypical and opportunistic pathogens. Recent studies have highlighted their increased vulnerability and poorer outcomes when faced with infections like SARS-CoV-2, norovirus, enterovirus, and Campylobacter. Despite these findings, there remains a substantial gap in understanding the full spectrum of infectious risks and the underlying mechanisms in these patients. Current research is beginning to address these gaps, but a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of these disorders is still needed.

This research topic aims to elucidate the common clinical and etiopathogenetic characteristics of patients with very low or absent circulating B-cells. By focusing on individuals with severe humoral immune defects, the research seeks to deepen our understanding of the role of humoral immunity in preventing infectious complications. Additionally, the research aims to inform clinical decision-making regarding B-cell-depleting therapies, potentially using circulating B-cell levels for risk stratification to prevent infections.

To gather further insights into infectious complications in patients with very low or absent circulating B-cells, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Original research on the role of B-cells and humoral immunity in infection protection.
- Studies on infectious complications in patients with conditions like agammaglobulinemia, Good’s syndrome, APDS, and those who have undergone B-cell-depleting therapy.
- Reviews, perspectives, hypotheses, and theoretical articles on the etiopathogenetic mechanisms underlying these infectious complications

Keywords: humoral immunity, B cells, B cell alymphocytosis, circulating B cells, peripheral B cells, X-linked agammaglobulinemia, XLA, Autosomal Recessive agammaglobulinemia, Good’s syndrome, rituximab

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.