Introduction to B-cells

These flashcards cover key concepts in B-cell biology based on the provided lecture notes, including development, activation, function, and cytokine interactions.

What are the primary sites of B-cell development and activation?

• Bone marrow
• Spleen
• Lymph nodes

What checkpoints are crucial during B-cell development?

• Pre-BCR checkpoint
• BCR checkpoint

What populations of B-cells can be identified and what are their key surface markers?

• Naïve B cells (IgM+IgD+)
• Memory B cells (CD27+IgD-)
• Germinal center B cells (activated B cells)
• Plasmablasts
• Plasma cells (CD38+ CD138+)

What is the role of secondary lymphoid organs in B-cell responses?

They filter antigens and generate adaptive B-cell responses.

Which key cytokines influence B-cell survival and differentiation?

• IL-7
• BAFF
• IL-4
• IL-5
• TGF-β
• IFN-γ
• IL-6
• IL-21

What is class switching in B-cells?

The process where B-cells change the antibody isotype they produce.

What occurs in the germinal center?

• B-cell proliferation
• Somatic hypermutation
• Class switch recombination

What are the characteristics of a naive B cell?

• CD19+
• CD20+
• IgM+
• IgD+

What happens during the process of B-cell maturation?

• Pro-B/T cells undergo receptor gene rearrangements
• Are subjected to functional checkpoints
• Are subjected to positive/negative selection

What is the significance of IL-6 in B-cell biology?

• Promotes plasma cell survival
• Is involved in affinity maturation

What are the primary functions of IgM antibodies?

• Complement activation
• Early defense against infections

What distinguishes memory B cells from naive B cells?

• Memory B cells:
  • Express CD27
  • Lose IgD
• Naïve B cells:
  • IgM+
  • IgD+

What experimental techniques can be used to study B-cells?

• B-cell isolation
• Functional assays
• Molecular analysis
• Clinical relevance evaluations

What is the role of the marginal zone B cells?

• Mount T-independent responses
• Provide early defense against encapsulated bacteria

How does the bone marrow support B-cell development?

• It provides niches for hematopoiesis
• Houses long-lived plasma cells

What distinguishes plasma cells from plasmablasts?

• Plasma cells:
  • Terminally differentiated
  • Long-lived
• Plasmablasts:
  • Early (stage)
  • Short-lived

How do cytokines influence B-cell class switching?

Different cytokines drive transitions to specific antibody isotypes like IgE, IgG, and IgA.