Trends Immunol, Vol 29, pp 34-40, 2008
REVIEW: The ‘short’ history of regulatory B cells
Mauri C, Ehrenstein MR
The maintenance of tolerance is the sine qua non of a
sophisticated regulatory apparatus to prevent or dampen overzealous
immune responses. In addition to the ability of B cells to prime and
activate the immune system, B cells with regulatory function (Bregs)
have been identified in experimental models of autoimmunity,
infections, and cancer, supporting the notion that, similar to
regulatory T cells (Tregs), Breg-mediated suppression is an important
means for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. This regulatory
function appears to be directly mediated by the production of IL-10
and/or TGFβ and by the ability of B cells to interact with pathogenic T
cells to inhibit harmful immune responses. The identification of their
existence is of great relevance to the understanding of autoimmune
diseases and to the development of new therapeutic strategies.