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B Cell Activation
Author(s) -
Waldmann Herman,
Munro Alan
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
immunological reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.839
H-Index - 223
eISSN - 1600-065X
pISSN - 0105-2896
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-065x.1975.tb00160.x
Subject(s) - antigen , surface immunoglobulin , b cell , microbiology and biotechnology , receptor , b cell receptor , cell , biology , t cell receptor , antibody , immune system , t cell , naive b cell , clonal anergy , cell surface receptor , immunology , antigen presenting cell , genetics
SUMMARY We consider that 2 'signals’are essential for B cell activation. 'Signal 1’is a consequence of appropriate latticing of surface immunoglobulin receptors. 'Signal 2’can be mediated by a variety of agents. Signal 1 alone (i.e. surface Ig aggregation) leads to a state of B cell tolerance. Appropriate levels of signal 1 and signal 2 lead to immune induction. Inappropriate combinations of either signal such that one is in‘excess’can direct B cells towards a state of tolerance. T cells are felt to fulfil two roles, (a) They release antigen specific molecules capable of creating a lattice of antigenic determinants on a B cell surface, (b) They are responsible in interacting with macrophages for the production of NSF or Signal 2. (c) The B cell Ig‐antigen‐T cell receptor complex can serve to localise the effects of NSF to the region of the antigen specific B cell, and thus provide a safeguard against autoallergy. Thymus independent antigens are capable of providing both types of signal.