Marginal zone B-cell

Marginal zone B-cell‏‎ is a type of B cell that is part of the immune system. These cells are found in the marginal zone of the spleen, and are involved in the immune response to certain types of antigens, particularly those found on the surfaces of bacteria.

Function

Marginal zone B-cells are responsible for the production of antibodies in response to T-independent antigens. These are antigens that can stimulate an immune response without the need for assistance from T cells. This is particularly important in the defense against encapsulated bacteria, which have a type of surface that can directly stimulate B cells.

Development

The development of marginal zone B-cells is a complex process that involves several stages. Initially, hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow differentiate into pro-B cells. These cells then undergo a series of changes, including V(D)J recombination, to become immature B cells. These cells then migrate to the spleen, where they can differentiate into either follicular B cells or marginal zone B-cells.

Clinical significance

Marginal zone B-cells are implicated in several diseases. For example, they can give rise to marginal zone lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. They are also involved in autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, where they produce autoantibodies that attack the body's own tissues.

See also

• B cell
• Immune system
• Antigen
• Antibody
• T cell
• Hematopoietic stem cell
• Pro-B cell
• Immature B cell
• Follicular B cell
• Marginal zone lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Autoimmune disease
• Systemic lupus erythematosus