Immunity
Volume 30, Issue 3, 20 March 2009, Pages 421-433
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Article
Cytokine-Producing Effector B Cells Regulate Type 2 Immunity to H. polygyrus

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Summary

Immunity to the intestinal parasite Heligomosomoides polygyrus is dependent on the successful generation of T helper 2 (Th2) memory cells. We showed that B cells contribute to immunity against H. polygyrus by producing antibody (Ab) and by promoting expansion and differentiation of primary and memory Th2 cells. We also demonstrated that cytokine-producing effector B cells were essential for effective immunity to H. polygyrus. Tumor necrosis factor alpha production by B cells was necessary for sustained Ab production, whereas interleukin 2 production by B cells was necessary for Th2 cell expansion and differentiation. These results show that B cells mediate protection from pathogens not only by presenting antigen and secreting antibody but also by producing cytokines that regulate the quality and magnitude of humoral and cellular immune responses.

CELLIMMUNO

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3

These authors contributed equally to this work

4

Present address: Lexicon Genetics, The Woodlands, TX 77381, USA

5

Present address: Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA