Non-Antibody Mediated Roles of B Cells in Allograft Survival

Abstract

Antibody production is unquestionably a key effector function of B cells that remains a formidable barrier against long-term graft survival. However, emerging evidence indicates that B cells play a key role in shaping the effector responses by mechanisms that extend beyond their function as antibody producing cells. B cell depletion in transplant recipients has resulted in paradoxical outcomes of increased graft rejection versus improved graft function, implying that B cells function as both enhancers and regulators of the alloimmune response. Based on findings from animal and human studies, we address mechanisms by which B cells modulate the immune response and highlight their role in promoting allograft rejection or tolerance.