Abstract
The rate of pathogen elimination determines the extent and consequences of an infection. In this context, the spleen with its highly specialized lymphoid compartments plays a central role in clearing blood-borne pathogens. Splenic marginal zone B cells (MZ), by virtue of their preactivated state and topographical location, join B1 B cells to generate a massive wave of IgM producing plasmablasts in the initial 3 days of a primary response to particulate bacterial antigens. Because of the intensity and rapidity of this response, combined with the types of antibodies produced, splenic MZ and B1 B cells endowed with a "natural memory" provide a bridge between the very early innate and the later appearing adaptive immune response.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 617-629 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Immunity |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases