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. 2012:2012:362131.
doi: 10.1155/2012/362131. Epub 2012 Jan 23.

B-Cell Response during Protozoan Parasite Infections

María C Amezcua Vesely  1 , Daniela A Bermejo, Carolina L Montes, Eva V Acosta-Rodríguez, Adriana Gruppi
Affiliations

B-Cell Response during Protozoan Parasite Infections

María C Amezcua Vesely et al. J Parasitol Res. 2012.

Abstract

In this review, we discuss how protozoan parasites alter immature and mature B cell compartment. B1 and marginal zone (MZ) B cells, considered innate like B cells, are activated during protozoan parasite infections, and they generate short lived plasma cells providing a prompt antibody source. In addition, protozoan infections induce massive B cell response with polyclonal activation that leads to hypergammaglobulnemia with serum antibodies specific for the parasites and self and/or non related antigens. To protect themselves, the parasites have evolved unique ways to evade B cell immune responses inducing apoptosis of MZ and conventional mature B cells. As a consequence of the parasite induced-apoptosis, the early IgM response and an already establish humoral immunity are affected during the protozoan parasite infection. Moreover, some trypanosomatides trigger bone marrow immature B cell apoptosis, influencing the generation of new mature B cells. Simultaneously with their ability to release antibodies, B cells produce cytokines/quemokines that influence the characteristic of cellular immune response and consequently the progression of parasite infections.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Protozoan parasites affect the different B-cell compartments. MZ: marginal zone B cells, GCs: germinal centers.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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